A move is a big part of life and it's not just about physically packing up everything you own and lugging it across town. Along with the boxes, you'll likely have sensitive information about yourself and your family to keep safe. Find out how you will keep your belongings safe during a move.

1. Make a Moving Packing List

Before you unpack your boxes, you need to make a packing list. You want to include everything from furniture and electronics to your favorite family photo albums and irreplaceable mementos.

Location is important and if you are moving far away, such as out of state, this is the time to find an experienced mover specializing in long-distance moves.

2. Consider a Professional Moving Service

If you are moving long distances, don't risk your belongings by trying to make a move on your own. Hiring professionals like for car shipping services in new york you can ensure you have someone to watch over your items and ensure that none of them are lost or damaged in the move.

3. Know What to Pack First

When you organize your belongings, think about what is most important to pack first. The most important items must be in your possession immediately after moving. The rest can get packed afterward.

4. Request Insurance Coverage

Before arranging for a mover, make sure you know what specific coverage you have for damages and losses that may occur during moving services. A good moving service will provide insurance coverage for these types of losses so that if something does happen, you are protected.

5. Address Your List of Possessions

It's easy to miss something in the shuffle of your move. That's why it's important to take care of business with all items on your packing list before your movers arrive. Each item should get checked off as you're packing it so that you know exactly what is getting moved and when.

6. Pack Media

Including media in your move will take up a lot of space and can be difficult to pack efficiently. However, you must consider protecting all the important removable media in your house. It can include photos, movies, music, and data storage media like laptops and iPods.

7. Know the Laws of Your Destination

Different areas have laws regarding moving stuff around, so you should check them out in advance. Your move will go much smoother if you are familiar with the basics of your destination's regulations and you'll better understand your options should something get damaged or lost.

8. Pack Slowly

You might be anxious to get your things packed, but rushing through this step can lead to mistakes and that can easily lead to more stress. Take the time to pack each box carefully and you will feel much more at ease when your move is complete.

9. Label Everything

There are few things worse than unpacking your things only to discover that they've moved around or that you couldn't figure out what was in the box. Include the room where something got stored on the label and the date it was packed. You don't want to get lost without your possessions. That's why you should also pack an inventory list of everything in each box, including the items.

10. Back Up Your Computers and Electronics

Your best bet for backing up important files is using an external hard drive or similar devices. You want to ensure that your external hard drive gets securely packed along with the items you want to keep safe.

11. Make a List of Important Phone Numbers

Include contact information for your important family members and the numbers for all utility companies you may need to contact after your move. It will come in handy if you are moving far away from everything familiar and a phone call is the only way to get things done.

12. Be Careful with Mail

It can be easy to get overwhelmed when you move, but you don't want to forget about your mail and important documents. Unclaimed mail will get returned to the sender, so you need to make a plan in advance for how your mail will get handled once your move is complete.

When you move, there are many things to consider; keeping your belongings safe and secure is one of the most important. When you take care of the necessary tasks before, during, and after your move, you will relax without any worries about your possessions.

Guest Contributor: McKenzie Jones