What to Do with High-Value Items During Your Move

Moving can be stressful, especially when it comes to transporting valuable items. But moving your valuables doesn’t have to be a hassle. We’re here to help guide you through safeguarding and handling your high-value belongings with care during your relocation.

What Qualifies as a High-Value Item During a Relocation?

High-value items are usually anything that exceeds $100 per pound. Most moving companies, including ADSI, consider anything over this amount as items of “extraordinary value.” 

High-Value Items can include:

• Antiques
• Family heirlooms
• Paintings and sculptures
• Pianos
• Exercise equipment
• China and crystal
• Formal attire (wedding gowns, suits)
• Grandfather clocks
• Rare collectibles
• High-end Electronics

Declaring High-Value Items Before the Move

When planning to move high-value items, you should declare them to your moving company. ADSI Moving Systems provides a high-value inventory sheet before your move, allowing you to document all valuable items. This helps your movers account for your items’ condition before and after the move and provide specialized handling. Although these items may require additional packing and shipping costs, they will be better protected.

It’s important to document all of your valuable items. United’s ability to help with damage claims will be limited if a high-value article is not listed on the form. Without the high-value inventory sheet declaration, United’s maximum liability is limited to $100 per pound per article.

Photograph and Document Your Valuables

Before the big move, take the time to photograph and document each of your high-value items. This record will be essential in case of any disputes or damage claims. If any damages occur, having photos of your item’s condition pre-move will help ADSI provide the greatest assistance possible throughout the claims process.

Insuring Your High-Value Items

It’s important to consider your coverage options for items included in your shipment.

While our team takes extreme care to protect your items throughout the move, having the peace of mind of full protection is a great option and also gives us the most flexibility to help you resolve issues if they arise.

Your relocation estimate from ADSI Moving Systems includes two options for move protection. We offer full-value protection and per pound/per article protection.

Full-Value Protection

While we do offer a protection option at 60 cents per pound per article at no additional cost to you, we recommend our comprehensive full-value protection plan to all of our customers. This option is included in your move estimate and is automatically valued at $6 multiplied by the weight of your shipment.

Our full-value protection plan not only covers any lost or damaged items during transit, but it also allows for customization to provide a higher level of protection for your more valuable belongings if needed.

Under our full-value protection plan, we take full responsibility for repairing or replacing any lost or damaged items up to the maximum dollar amount you declare. We aim to ensure the utmost protection and security for your possessions throughout the moving process.

If you have any questions about your protection options, your moving coordinator will be happy to help you make the best choice.

What if I have High-Value Items that Require Specialty Transport?

Carry any small, high-value items with you on moving day. This keeps them from being lost or damaged during transit and ensures you always know where they are.

Let your moving coordinator know about other items that may need to be treated with specialty transport, such as pianos, antiques, or fine art. Our team will make sure that they receive the specialized handling they require.

Additionally, there are some items that our movers cannot move for you. These “non-allowable” items include alcohol (including valuable wine and spirits), ammunition, money, jewelry, and most chemicals. Be sure to double-check our complete non-allowables list and separate them from your boxes before moving day.

Handling Damages to High-Value Items

Accidents can happen, even with all precautions in place. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! If your belongings get damaged during the move, reach out to your moving coordinator for assistance. They’ll guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Keep your pre-move photos handy as you unpack at your new home. If you suspect any damage after the move, snap a quick photo for documentation. This will greatly assist our team in resolving your claim efficiently. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we’re here to make the claim process as smooth as possible.

Transport Your High-Value Items With Peace of Mind With ADSI

Moving doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking process, even when high-value items are involved. With the right plan and right moving company, you can ensure your precious possessions are safe. If you have any questions about how to move your expensive items, our team of relocation consultants and moving coordinators is here to help! Reach out to us today to get started.