When and Why to Inspect Your Belongings for Damage Post-Move

Moving to a new residence is a combination of excitement as well as stress because it involves a lot of meticulous planning, most of which involves packing and repacking your possessions. So, when you are using the professional home shifting services, you can be rest assured that your packing and relocation is done safely. However, the mishaps can often occur while moving and if you have some very pricey items, there might be some situation when they get broken or damaged. In this situation, it is very important to understand how to deal with it? 

Who has the liability for any damages sustained during a move? The type of moving service used, the packers and movers in Hyderabad offering the extent of insurance coverage or any agreements that had been signed between the client and the packers can all affect who is actually responsible for any loss during the move. Generally speaking, there are three possible parties who can be held responsible while doing the damage assessment while inspecting belongings after move. 

The Packers and Movers – They can be held responsible for any damages that has resulted from their inappropriate treatment or carelessness of handling the possessions. However, there should be a laid down terms and conditions specified in the contract so that it gives you the right kind of insurance coverage where you can determine the scope of their liability.

The client – This is you who will bear the responsibility for the safety and security of the possessions. You have to be responsible for any damage if you don’t properly pack the items before belonging.

Third party – In some situation, there can be events outside the moving company or you who might have resulted in the damage. So, for instance, if you are moving in a truck, there can be an accident or a natural disaster. In such case, if there is a proper term and condition mentioned, the third party like the insurance provider might be held liable. 

Understanding insurance versus valuation

The term valuation and insurance is often used interchangeably when talking about liabilities during post relocation checks. However, you should know the difference between the two because valuation is something entirely different to insurance.

Based on the selected liability option, the valuation is the highest sum that any moving packer or mover will be prepared to pay in case of any loss or damage. However, insurance in addition to the liability choices as discussed earlier, they will provide a coverage as an extra service. This is more like an additional protection and it will protect your possessions from any form of hazard like natural disaster or theft or any other unanticipated circumstance.

Damages during a move – Recognizing the duties and positions

When it comes to the moving related losses, it is very important to understand the responsibilities of each party. So let’s have a clearer look.

Homeowners – Before, during and after the move, it is very important for homeowners to evaluate their roles. Labeling, packing the fragile items is the first step that one needs to do before they go for the transit. Make sure that you have a list of your belongings and record of if there was any already damaged item. It is best that you keep an eye on the relocation to make sure that the possessions are shifted safely and carefully.

Moving firms – It is the duty of the packers and the movers to take your possessions from one place to another, and being professional, they will be doing it as safely, securely as possible because they have the tools, the know how, and the skilled people who can manage this moving process effectively. This is why selecting the trustworthy moving company is absolutely necessary. You can guarantee the appropriate compensation in case of any accident.

How is the responsibility established?

It might be difficult to understand who would be responsible for certain damages during the transfer. The type of insurance coverage, the agreements and the circumstances surrounding the laws can be sometimes very difficult to gauge. So what you need to think about are the following – 

  • Documentation –  Get a record of the condition of your belongings prior to the move. Take pictures if required and have the record handy. This will be helpful when you are determining the culpability.
  • Appropriate packing – To reduce any scope of damage during the transit, make sure that you pack your things very nicely. Any injuries during the packing can make you liable for the damage. Notifying the firm as soon as you see the damage following the move, let the packers and mover company know. Majority of the companies will have some protocols and deadlines for submitting the claims, so make sure that you disclose any form of damage as soon as you see it.
  • Agreeing with the agreement, the terms and conditions that you have in the contract should be properly understood before signing. In case of any restrictions or exclusions, you can speak directly to the professionals. 

How to keep the possessions safe while moving? 

Even when you’ve gone through all these checks, there can be situations when there might still be an accidental damage. So, there are certain precautions that you must take before you are ready to relocate. 

Properly pack your belongings – We cannot stress this enough that packing the supplies with the proper tools like the bubble wrap, the packing paper, the boxes are very important when you need to protect your valuables and the fragile items. The content should be properly displayed before you pack them and then very appropriately marked so that it can be handled and placed accordingly.

Take the help of expert packaging services – For delicate and antique items, the best option is to get the help of experts. They are qualified and experienced and will have the right kind of packaging items for making your transfer safe.

To get the insurance – if you’re traveling a long distance, maybe from one corner of the city to another, or maybe altogether to a different state, it makes sense to think about getting more insurance coverage if you have such irreplaceable antique items. It will give you an additional peace of mind.

Pick the right moving company – Before making a choice, you should do the extensive research about the packers and movers. Make sure you know about their insurance, their license details, read about their reviews, and get referrals from actual customers once you put your trust into somebody worthy of a solid reputation, it is more likely that they’ll take good care of your possessions and the compensation that you spend for them is worth it.