Moving to a new residence can be quite the lively adventure, but it can also have its challenges and risks. Safety should be top of mind because there are risks such as financial scams and physical harm. Whether your move is just across town or to a different state, knowing how to protect yourself when moving can save you lots of hassle, money, and, in some cases, injury.
In this article, you will learn the best strategies to best protect yourself, your valuables, and your finances during the moving process.
Beware of Moving Scams: Spot Red Flags🚩 Early
One of the biggest concerns when moving is the growing number of fraudulent moving companies. Unfortunately, moving scams are real, and many people end up paying much more than expected or, even worse, losing their valuable belongings. This is why it’s important to be cautious and take steps to protect yourself when choosing a moving company.
The first step to protecting yourself is to understand moving companies thoroughly so you can ensure safety when moving. Make sure their license is valid, they have insurance in place, and read customer reviews. You can also use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database to check long-distance movers. You should also be careful about attractively low estimates, as you should know that if it looks too good, chances are it is.
Another major red flag is a moving company requesting large upfront deposits. Accepted movers often expect payment after the job is done. If a company persists in demanding full payment before moving your items, consider that to be a red flag.
Keep Your Personal Information Secure
Stealing of your identity is yet another danger that most individuals miss while relocating their houses. Documents are everywhere, and if not safeguarded, they can put a lot of people at risk; thus, necessary considerations are important.
Shred documents that pose no value, such as outdated bank statements and old medical records, before the day of relocation. Furthermore, change your address with your bank and utility providers to ensure no important correspondence ends up in the wrong hands.
If you need a moving service, refrain from exposing unneeded personal information. Only provide what is necessary, and do not divulge social security or banking information unless you have a dire need. By taking these measures, you can greatly reduce the risks associated with identity fraud during the relocation process.
Prevent Injuries While Moving: Remember to Lift and Pack Properly
Doing certain physical activities could prove to be taxing, and if enough precautions are not taken, you may end up injured with backaches, muscle strains, and, in serious cases, broken bones. Safeguarding yourself entails proper lifting and moving control measures.
Whether you are lifting with your legs, dialling a friend’s number, riding an escalator, or completing any other task, avoid straining your back. If the object is particularly heavy, use tools like dollies, furniture sliders, and lifting straps to assist you. Do not be afraid to seek help. Make sure that you are also wearing some shoes that offer good support so that you do not slip and fall over.
Injuries can also be avoided by planning in advance. If boxes are overloaded, they increase the risk of accidents while being carried. Ensure that each box weighs no more than 50 pounds and make the weight bearable by distributing the load evenly inside the box. Always mark the box containing heavy items to save the bother when lifting.
Protect Your Essential Documents and Valuables
Everyone dreads misplaced items of high value. Seeking out pieces of fine jewellery, crucial files, or those dear to your heart can prove to be a hassle in case of a move.
The strategy to be employed here is simple: pack valuable pieces separately and move them yourself. Get fireproof and waterproof boxes to keep electronics and soft files like birth certificates, wills, etc.
Ensure that you make a thorough digital list of everything that is classified as valuable and click plenty of pictures in case the items get damaged. These strategies to keep yourself covered can help reduce the hassle while dealing with insurance claims.
Make your files securely digital by scanning important documents like IDs, contracts, and financial records. Store them in a cloud service or an encrypted USB drive for easy access and added security during your move.
Be Ready for Anything: Have a Plan for Any Emergency Situation
Regardless of how you plan everything, there will always be scenarios that can occur unexpectedly. Unavoidable scenarios like the weather or misplaced boxes can prove very difficult without a backup plan in place that can keep you calm and relaxed.
It’s best to keep an emergency box with necessities such as first-aid kits, medicine, snacks, spare change, phone chargers, and more. This will help in case your moving day gets delayed or there are some minor injuries.
If you’re relocating over long distances, try to figure out where gas stations, hospitals, and rest areas are located along your travel path. These steps are absolutely essential for keeping yourself safe during a move.
Final Thoughts
Moving doesn’t necessarily need to cause stress or come with dangers. Ensuring the safety of your personal information, putting yourself at a lower risk of being scammed, lifting things correctly, guarding your valuables, and preparing for emergencies will all help in achieving a smooth move and a safe one.
To avoid stress as you relocate, it is always best to prepare. Planning our relocation carefully will not only allow us to protect ourselves but also to start off on the right note.
