Moving houses can be exciting – but for many of us, it is a time of nervousness and trepidation. How will the family members like the new neighborhood? Will the children be squabbling about who gets which room? Another raging concern is shifting appliances safely without damage and additional repair costs.
Some people see house shifting as an opportunity to declutter. Indeed, you may find several items you barely use and can dispose of in a yard sale or donate to a charity shop. Why spend money repairing jaded appliances that probably won’t last long?
Sometimes, a house move can catch us unaware, brought on by sudden life changes like a job switch or family emergency. The risk of damaging precious appliances is another source of anxiety at a stressful time.
Let us discuss three straightforward ways to help your appliances reach their new destination in perfect condition.
#1 Professional Packing is Not Optional
The best way to keep your appliances free from scratches and damage is to get a professional to pack them. Duh! The problem is that it seems intuitive, but many people feel the trick lies only in stretch tape. It doesn’t.
When you hire a professional to pack appliances like a washer-dryer, they know how to approach it. Different gadgets may require a varied approach. So, a packer needs to clean an oven and secure its cords. They must also fill any gaps with bubble wrap, choosing sustainable and recyclable materials where possible. Further, the professional must apply stretch tape thoroughly without leaving any corner unattended.
For example, you might be rooting for your industrial-grade fridge if you are moving to Baltimore and adore seafood. The American city has tantalizing options, from oysters to halibut and clam, all waiting for you to stock them in the freezer.
However, a fridge is among the most vulnerable items during transit if the movers don’t use adequate padding. Professionals can judge the strongest lifting point and which model to carry from the side versus the back.
Accordingly, your best bet is partnering with Baltimore house movers that provide stretch-wrapping and fragile-only packing. Professionals also understand how to protect the doorways and floors from scratches while moving appliances.
#2 Fragile-Only Transport for Delicate Items
Diligent packing is a huge relief, but appliances also demand extra-cautious transport. Many appliances like microwaves and ovens have delicate parts like glass plates that can get damaged in transit. The LCD or LED panels of televisions and glass racks of dishwashers are other highly sensitive components.
Transporting appliances with utmost care is non-negotiable. You don’t want an inexperienced driver or someone fond of speeding to carry your precious goods. Driving smoothly and knowing which routes don’t have roadblocks is better.
Clear communication with the mover about the fragile items onboard can improve their chances of safety. If the packers have already labeled these items fragile, the moving van and loaders/unloaders should treat them as such. According to 495 Movers, it helps to have a dedicated relocation coordinator. The assigned contact person can ensure continued communication and address concerns before or during the move.
#3 Transit Insurance Might Be Worth It
According to Consumer Affairs, many Americans moved to different houses within the same county or state in the last few years. The US moving industry is growing due to real estate expansion and corporate relocation. It is picking up again after slowing down during the pandemic. The insurance sector is also growing alongside.
Before major moves, more people now consider insuring valuable items. It might seem fatalist, but sometimes, even the best-laid plans may not adequately avoid damage.
Getting transit insurance coverage can provide you with mental peace and let you prioritize other aspects of the residential shift. Insurance may be imperative for longer journeys where items may temporarily be in a warehouse.
Some movers provide limited insurance for the goods transported. However, this amount may not reflect the full value of the items. Instead, it can only be an indicator of the weight. You should clarify the terms with the carrier to understand whether they will take responsibility for any damage.
It can be simpler to side with a trusted insurer who provides hassle-free coverage. They can insure your items against different perils, including water damage and theft. Moreover, you will be less likely to get tangled in messes about which party was negligent. It is the last thing you want at a time when you should be focusing on adjusting to the new house and decorating it per your tastes.
Now that you have an action plan for moving appliances, you can focus on more creative tasks like sprucing up your new home. Your washing machine may need a new cover to fit with the vibe of the laundry room. Your water purifier may have more space in the larger kitchen, which opens new opportunities to set the counter.
When your valuable white goods arrive ship-shape, planning home renovation and DIY projects for your new abode becomes easier.
