How to Protect Your Valuables During a Move
Art, jewelry, antiques, electronics — what to do, what to never do, and what to leave to specialists.
Published 2026-03-28 · 6 min read · Specialty
What 'valuable' actually means in moving
Movers define 'valuables' as anything over $100 per pound. That includes jewelry, art, electronics, antique watches, sterling silver, and certain wines. Standard moving insurance often excludes them by default.
Carry these yourself
Jewelry, passports, prescription medications, loose cash, and irreplaceable documents should travel with you — not in the truck. Make a list, photograph each item, and keep it in a single bag you can monitor.
Crate, don't pack
Fine art, statues, and high-end electronics deserve custom wood crates — not cardboard. The cost is a few hundred dollars per piece. The cost of NOT crating? Often the full replacement value.
Document before you pack
Take date-stamped photos of every high-value item before it leaves your home. If a claim arises, this is your proof of pre-move condition.
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