Who packed your bags? It makes a big difference to insurance costs

But this has one major drawback, in that unless acompany is simply called in to move items from one
removal company is provided with a declaration oflocation to another, its workers will have no idea how
value - a detailed list of a case or package'swell a packing case, box or other container has been
contents, together with an individual value for eachpacked.
piece it contains – liability in the event of any lossSo even writing something to the effect of
or damage is limited to a maximum amount per item.‘Glass – handle with care' on the side of a
In many cases, this may not cover the full cost ofbox would not be considered sufficient to persuade
replacing any item, especially when items of value arean insurer to pay out the full value of any items
included in the consignment.which might need replacing, if they are damaged
The British Association of Removers, the trade bodyduring a move, and have not been packed
which oversees best practice in the industry, andprofessionally.
regulates members' operations, suggests that peopleThe simplest solution, therefore, is to let the
employing professional removers should, wheremembers of the removal team do the packing. It
feasible, entrust the actual packing of items whichmay well cost more, simply because this will take
they will be moving to them. This is because,longer than if they are just collecting, loading and
although liability is still limited, there is less chance ofunloading boxes. But as experienced professionals,
damage being incurred in transit, as all items shouldthey will know what materials are best suited to
have been properly and securely packed, taking intoindividual packing tasks, and have easy access to
consideration the nature and length of the journeythem. And this assumption is the reason why insurers
which it is to undertake.will look more favourably on giving cover if a
As a result, insurers are willing to offer cover againstconsignment is properly and professionally packed.
any damage for a smaller premium, as they can thenThe leading shipping to Australia services and
be satisfied that the quality of the work which hasinternational shipping services are available online so
gone into completing the packing will have been up tofind the best deals for all your excess baggage there
recognised professional standards. But if the removalnow.