Just trying to figure out my move, and how to go about my collectibles. With my Basketball/Pokemon card collections adding up to quite a bit, i’m trying to figure out the best way to go about it. I’m moving from the West coast to the East for work, and they hire the movers for me, I really don’t have a choice in the matter unless I pay for it myself. I also will be driving my car to my new location. Should I just trust that all my things get there from the movers? have them in the car for my loooong road trip? I can’t have anything shipped through USPS/UPS, because I don’t really have a place set up yet.(gotta love these military moves) In the past, i moved from Korea, to the states and didn’t have a problem, but for some reason i’m more uneasy.
I was thinking of having these all pre-packed before the movers arrive, but in some cases, they have to open, and re-pack everything because they are liable. I just don’t want anything to go “missing”. For driving, i’d just be worried of break ins, since i’d be making random stops along the way. If i’m just being over paranoid, just let me know.
I’d also persoanlly take my most precious pieces with me in the car - maybe a small box that can be taken whereever you will be going for the different stops? ^^ That way they’ll never leave your sight
I would inventory and number the boxes, and then after they are done checking I would seal with tamper-proof tape. I know its overkill, but that is what it takes to give piece of mind.
What i did with mine was pack up all my collectibles and took them to my grandmas until i moved in and once i moved in and everything was unpacked i then went back to my grandmas and brought them back with me
My military move, I left them with me in my car, I cleaned out the car and had nothing in it to deter potential thieves. I had them in a pelican case hiding under the seat and they were in the hotel room with me. As I found, I never really found myself to be without my car to much over the move, in car driving cards inside - in hotel room sleeping cards inside, i get shopping and etc, but the chances are slim with so many people around, as long as you make sure it’s all locked. compared to the amount of hands they will pass going from one side to the other In USA.i would personally never trust the movers, as you have no control once they leave.
One idea is to split the collection up. Put some safely secured in the van and some in your car. You could even ship a couple of boxes. While it’s likely nothing bad will go wrong from either method, splitting it up will result in your collection being safe from a single point of failure.
Don’t trust movers with high value collectibles. There are way too many stories of belongings gone missing from moving companies. Most moving companies offer insurance but getting pay outs for lost or broken items in many cases is a never ending battle that usually ends in disappointment.
This for sure and look into your renters or homeowners policy. Rarely if ever do auto insurance policies cover personal items lost to a smash and grab in a car, but occasionally this can be covered via extension from a dwelling policy. Most collectibles limits are really low though still.
The lacking information though is both approximate volume and approximate value of the collection. I mean heaps of binders of old played stuff or just brand new sealed bulky stuff that isn’t too high value just let the movers deal with it and document it well. A handful of high value graded cards then just carry it in a backpack in your car and wear the backpack outta the car. You can also get a P.O. box online I believe at a post office near where you are moving. Just do a monthly or quarterly rental, ship a few boxes there and pickup when you get there. Require sig/ID on delivery. Do a bit of a mix of all of them if necessary.
Put on a American flag bandanna. Stuff the saddlebags on your Harley Davidson with your collection (small pull behind trailer If needed). Get on your chopper and drive her into the sunset, while listening to free bird. Only stop to get fuel and food (stop to sleep if you’re tired but Red Bull helps). You will arrive at your new home with your collection. Your collection was right by your side on this journey. You will now have a new found respect for her…
Murica…
Seriously though good luck with this move. You mentioned you were military so thank you for your service @shoe !
@exomemphiz, thank you! This sounds like the best option for me. I have two large Pelican boxes and 2 smaller ones. I think the two large ones I’ll have the majority of my collection, and the best of the best in the 2 small ones for the car.
@omahanime, I like this idea for most of my binders and sealed boxes.
@garyis2000, Most of the value would come from my Graded MJ collection / auto collection / Few high dollar Charizards. Approx 300 graded cards. Then all the binders and sealed boxes. I’ve really never added up the true value of my collection.
@starkbait, Yeah, I think i will follow this lead!
@pokenastic, This is true, I think I’ll split it up in two.
What I did when I moved to Ohio from California is I rented a storage locker in the most secure facility in California. Granted, I had a solid 10x15 worth of collections (stacked to the ceiling) so that limited my options. Over these 15 years I’ve pumped about 15k into their coffers but it’s been worth it to me.
Looks like this will be the plan.
