It does not matter if you have hired one of the best moving companies, there are just some things that should always be moved by you. This also applies to packing! If you are allowing someone to come in and pack for you, some things are just better not handled by anyone except for you.

Paintings

Whether you have personal oil paintings or an expensive canvas, these really should not be handled by a mover. Quite honestly, they really don’t even need to be in a moving van. If you are simply moving across town, make a separate trip in your car. Otherwise, these are better off being shipped by air, especially if you are moving during an extremely hot or cold time.

 CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs

If your movers are packing for you, these can be very tempting and easy items to steal. Even though you have insurance, you are better off to just not create the temptation. When you pack this yourself, you can mix them in with clothes, towels, etc., and mark the box as the less desirable item.

Now, if you are making a long distance move in the winter or summer, you should aim to move these items yourself. Keep in mind that the back of a moving truck can become an oven in the summer, reaching temperatures well above 120 degrees. Keeping these items at a regulated temperature is ideal.

Jewelry

Obviously, costume jewelry is fine to allow your movers to handle, but expensive jewels should be moved by you. Why even risk anything coming up missing or damaged? It is unlikely that you have so much jewelry that it can be easily squeeze in your suitcase or a box that you are taking in your car.

Heirlooms

Sometimes, the most important items in your life are those with no real monetary value. Heirlooms are things that can be replaced, so they should always be handled by you. Whether it’s your grandfather’s old broken pocket watch or the barrette your grandmother wore on her wedding day, make a point to move it yourself. No amount of money from an insurance company can replace these items, so don’t risk them being lost, stolen or damaged.

 Important Documents

All of your important documents need to be handled by you. This includes mortgage papers, insurance information, marriage and birth certificates, passports and school, medical and vet records. If you have all these items in a safe or lockbox, then you can just move that in your vehicle. Otherwise, box these documents up or put them in your suitcase.

Collections and Antiques

Again, even with additional insurance, if you can avoid having movers take care of your antiques and collections, you are better off. Now, obviously, if you have a large train or doll collection, this may not be practical to pack in your vehicle, but coins, stamps, etc., are small enough that you can handle them. The same applies to antiques. If your entire home is full of antiques, there is really no way of getting around the movers moving these items. However, if you simply have a fragile mirror, jewelry box or oil lamp, you can likely make room in your vehicle.
Keep in mind that even the best moving companies have claims filed against them from time-to-time. Plus, sometimes, accidents do happen on the road, which may not even be your driver’s fault.