Corporate move pack and unpack, to do or not to do.

gga357

gga357

Joined
Dec 3, 2007
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I am looking at a full service move in a few months and am VERY leery of having my knives and guns packed, shipped, stored then unpacked in the new place by basically strangers.

Has anyone ever done this and what was your experience. The moving company has standard paperwork for high value items and guns are pointed out. Knives are not specifically asked about, but would fall under that category. I just worry about a box or two of knives or guns going "missing". I plan on looking at 3rd party insurance on top of everything else, but don't yet know if they would cover this situation.

I consider myself a moderate collector of knives and guns compared to some. Looking for anyone with experience with this. I may just have to pack it all up and drive it myself.

Greg
 
In the past, I always have my important documents / paperworks, knives, guns with me all the time during moving, of course along with my wife and son included (heheheh).
 
If you're moving within the U.S., I would highly recommend moving those items yourself....
 
I've moved several times in the Navy, and it usually works out. Our rule was to establish early that you are going to be anal about the inventory and make them slow down the packing to accurately reflect what is in the boxes. Stuff breaks, scratches and so forth, so be prepared. If you moved it, stuff would get scratched and broken also.

Now, if they want to steal something, there is just about nothing you can do to prevent it as there is no way you can track all the boxes and stuff. In Italy, the general consensus was that they may pack it all up, but then it has to come off the truck, get loaded in the crate, get transferred, unpacked, loaded onto another truck, etc. Too easy to make a new box 59 appear or to unpack something.

So, we always "customer packed" some items in shoe boxes and then sealed the boxes up and asked them to pack them in the other boxes. I usually put it in with the boxes of books and canned food which I told them was already packed by us we cleaned out the old stuff. Hard to tell the weights, and not likely that they would open it to steal beans or a book. Should it get lost, I guess I'd be out of luck. I also took good pictures of everything so that I could file a claim, but knew it would be difficult to adjudicate the value of knives and such.

Guns would be a different issue. I'd actually let them move them as they have a better known value and when they go missing, the BATF/Police tend to get involved rather quickly. Just make sure the inventory is done and the conditions noted.

We also found it helpful to buy the guys lunch and have a cooler of drinks for them. Packing and moving is hard work.
 
you said you are very leery....
if you have any concerns at all, I would " pack it all up and drive it myself."
I wouldn't think twice about it, I'd do it on my own
 
Greg

You need to do that part of the move yourself

To much risk

The average person does not understand the value

Plus things could up missing in the confusion
 
anton_anton said:
In the past, I always have my important documents / paperworks, knives, guns with me all the time during moving, of course along with my wife and son included (heheheh).
Click to expand...

Problem is the wife and kids won't fit. Will send them ahead on a plane and they can have a mini vacation at a nice hotel while I drive cross country.
 
Greg we have moved both domestically and internationally in the last few years and I took my knives and guns(domestically) with me - just for peace of mind. Good luck!
 
JParanee said:
Greg

You need to do that part of the move yourself

To much risk

The average person does not understand the value

Plus things could up missing in the confusion
Click to expand...

I know you all are right. I will still 3rd party insure everything before the move. Gives me a couple of months to inventory and insure before I have to do it.

I should time the drive during Blade and add a few more to the collection on the way!!!

Thanks all.
 
I have moved knives and guns at least nine major moves up and down the East Coast and as far west as Cleveland. Always pack and move that stuff yourself, you will be thankful in the long run.

CAB
 
I moved to and from Ireland and to and from Colorado both back home to Minnesota; paid for by my company for short term relocations. They also unpacked everything and had a itemized inventory list. Given the itemized inventory I was pretty comfortable moving some expensive items, but if you can move it yourself why take the chance.
 
I used to work in a motel. A packed van, truck or car in a parking lot is ripe fruit for some thieves.

You'll be one person in a loaded vehicle...I've been carjacked. My car was quickly recovered and luckily all I lost was a car knife and my maps.

Professionals move things all over the world a lot more valuable than some guns and knives. Find a few good reputable firms, get bids, chose one and make your company pay for it.
 
gga357 said:
Problem is the wife and kids won't fit. Will send them ahead on a plane and they can have a mini vacation at a nice hotel while I drive cross country.
Click to expand...

Since you will be by yourself and if you are travelling long distance:
* check you car (oil and stuff) and tire pressure.
* Schedule your travelling time (if it's very long drive) for stopping/rest (hotel), stay away from rest area.
* Have you gun (on the case) and knife ready under your seat.
* Do not forget to bring couple Fix‑a‑flat Tire bottle.
* an emergency kit, a gallon water, a bag of chocolate/jerky, a blanket.

Stay safe! Good luck!
 
anton_anton said:
Since you will be by yourself and if you are travelling long distance:
* check you car (oil and stuff) and tire pressure.
* Schedule your travelling time (if it's very long drive) for stopping/rest (hotel), stay away from rest area.
* Have you gun (on the case) and knife ready under your seat.
* Do not forget to bring couple Fix‑a‑flat Tire bottle.
* an emergency kit, a gallon water, a bag of chocolate/jerky, a blanket.

Stay safe! Good luck!
Click to expand...

brownshoe said:
I used to work in a motel. A packed van, truck or car in a parking lot is ripe fruit for some thieves.

You'll be one person in a loaded vehicle...I've been carjacked. My car was quickly recovered and luckily all I lost was a car knife and my maps.

Professionals move things all over the world a lot more valuable than some guns and knives. Find a few good reputable firms, get bids, chose one and make your company pay for it.
Click to expand...

Excellent advice gentlemen. Thank you.
 
The average moving company is not full of professionals

I would never let moving men touch my Guns etc

I can tell you many horror stories

Rember I'm a real estate Broker
 
JParanee said:
The average moving company is not full of professionals

I would never let moving men touch my Guns etc

I can tell you many horror stories

Rember I'm a real estate Broker
Click to expand...

Exactly Joe.
The only professionals I have encountered in dealing with moving companies are the individuals selling the service.
 
Kevin Jones said:
Exactly Joe.
The only professionals I have encountered in dealing with moving companies are the individuals selling the service.
Click to expand...

As usual we agree :)

you must over see the packing and the loading and every detail

do your homework

If possible make sure the trucks are trackable

Move your own guns and knives and smaller valuables

Who cares about insurance when something that is not replaceable goes missing or lost
 
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