Protect items when moving

The U.S. Census Bureau reports Americans move an average of 11.7 times in their lifetimes, with more than 20 percent of those moves ending in a different state.

A survey commissioned by the UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. franchise network revealed Americans' worst moving fears: broken or lost items, moving company surcharges or late delivery, watching movers mishandle fragile items and running out of packing supplies during the move.

Despite the common concern about broken items, the survey showed that a majority of Americans still try to get by with packing items in newspaper, clothes, sheets, towels, blankets or tissue paper. Only one-third of those surveyed sought professional recommendations on packaging supplies.

To avoid the realization of their worst fears, movers should take control of the details.

+Plan ahead. Get expert advice by calling moving companies for quotes or asking for referrals from friends or coworkers. Websites like www.amconf.org provide useful tips on moving and finding reputable moving companies.

+Buy enough of the right materials. Don't rely on what's lying around the house to protect your precious cargo. By using the right packing materials, there is less of a chance that your dishes or family heirlooms will end up in pieces. Remember, heavy furniture or bulky items might be stacked on top or up against these fragile items, so be sure they're protected to withstand the pressure.

+Leave it to professionals to handle large, expensive or irreplaceable items. A majority of survey respondents- 83 percent- would want professional help moving family heirlooms, electronics and heavy items such as pianos. A place that offers freight services can be an affordable and reliable alternative to a standard mover.

Taking the time to plan ahead and investing in the proper packing materials can help reduce stress when the big day arrives.

This story is provided by NewsUSA.