Tips For Preventing Damage To Your Home While Moving
Most people are concerned about preventing damage to their belongings when they move. However, many don't consider that damage to the home itself may also occur while moving furniture and boxes. If you are renting your home or apartment, the cost of repairing the damage may come out of your deposit or the scratches and scrapes may result in a lower sale price if you are trying to sell your place. Here are a few tips for preventing damage to your home while you are moving.
Hire Professionals
Possibly the best thing you can do to protect your home and property from damage is to hire professional movers who can help you move your belongings safely. First, a reputable and experienced company will take steps to minimize the possibility of damage occurring such as using protective gear like stair and door runners and creating a strategy for moving big items based on your home's topography.
Second, if your home does get damaged, you can file a claim for reimbursement with the mover's insurance provider depending on the circumstances of the accident. Most moving companies have general liability coverage that pays for nicks and dings that may occur, and you can research whether a company you're considering hiring is insured by looking it up on the U.S. Department of Transportation Licensing and Insurance website.
Use Protective Products
As noted previously, many moving companies use protective gear such as floor and stair runners and door pads. Some include the cost of these items in with the moving quote while others charge extra for them. Regardless, you'll want to ask the moving company if they use these items and provide your own if they don't. Be certain that any floor or stair pads you use are non-skid to prevent nasty falls, especially if it is raining or snowing outside. You may want to place a piece of cardboard or plastic sheeting underneath the pad as extra protection against the moisture.
You may also want to put folded sheets, thin blankets, or cardboard on walls, corners, and banisters that may get dinged while furniture and other items are being shuffled around. Another option is to dismantle furniture and then wrap sharp edges with bubble wrap or blankets. It's best to always lift furniture and appliances off the floor before moving them. However, if you need to slide a piece across the floor, place it on a blanket first. This will prevent the item from scratching the floor and causing hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.
Choose the Best Exit and Entry Point
Door jambs potentially take the most damage during moves. If you have a choice, pick an entryway that provides the most room to move large items. For instance, you may want to take furniture through the double French back doors rather than try to squeeze it through the narrow front door.
If you are stuck with narrow doors, then cover the door jambs and frames with specially designed pads, cardboard, foam, or blankets to help minimize damage from bumps. Keep cleaning supplies nearby to erase any scuff marks that do occur on unprotected parts. Although it's unlikely any windows that happen to be situated near the doors will get damaged in the move, it's a good idea to take precautions and cover them with cardboard anyway.
Preventing or minimizing damage to your home while moving will take some concerted effort. However, being able to protect your rental deposit or home's value is worth the struggle. For more information on protecting your home or assistance with moving to a new place, contact a moving company in your area.