Jewelry may be small, but packing it carefully can make a big difference on a long distance household move. To pack jewelry for moving long distance, sort your pieces by type, wrap each one individually, and keep high-value or sentimental items with you instead of on the truck. Taking a few extra steps now helps every piece arrive just as it was when you packed it.
How Do You Pack Jewelry for Moving Long Distance?
Packing jewelry carefully matters on a long distance move because your belongings can spend several days or even weeks on the road. Truck vibrations shift small items inside a box, and trailer temperatures can climb quickly when the truck is parked in the sun.
Wrapping each piece individually keeps it from shifting, and keeping temperature-sensitive pieces with you protects them from the heat. Addressing your jewelry (including item types shown below) is a good place to start.
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
- Earrings
- Rings
- Watches
Deciding which jewelry to keep with you during the move also gives you a chance to evaluate what you own, and you can set aside or donate anything you no longer wear. Fewer pieces make packing faster and unpacking easier. Before you wrap anything, photograph each piece and keep a short written list. This record helps you confirm that everything arrived, and helps support a claim if something does not.
Next, wrap each piece separately so items stay in place during the trip. Original boxes work well. Small pouches, soft cloth and tissue paper also protect against scratches.
Tips for Packing Specific Types of Jewelry
- Necklaces – Thread each chain through a drinking straw and fasten the clasp, or lay necklaces flat on plastic wrap and fold the wrap over them. Both methods keep chains from tangling over a long trip.
- Earrings – Keep each pair together with its backs. Push studs through a small square of card or felt, or store pairs in the sections of a pill organizer.
- Rings – Secure ring boxes with a rubber band or a strip of tape so the lids stay closed, then add padding around them.
- Watches – Wrap the face in soft cloth first, then add a layer of bubble wrap. Pad around the crown so nothing presses against it during the move.
- Silver – Wrap silver pieces in acid-free tissue or an anti-tarnish cloth, and make sure each piece is completely dry before it goes into a sealed bag. Moisture trapped inside a bag can speed up tarnishing over a multi-day trip.
When you’d rather skip this step, our professional packing services can pack your jewelry boxes and cabinets, along with the rest of your home. Talk to your MovePro moving coordinator about adding this service to your quote ahead of time.
Which Jewelry Should You Keep With You During a Long Distance Move?
As you organize, set aside the pieces that should travel with you instead of on the moving truck. Plan to keep pieces such as the following with you.
- Fine jewelry and other high value pieces.
- Family heirlooms and sentimental items that would be hard to replace.
- Pearls, opals and pieces with glued stones, which should be kept away from trailer heat.
- Anything you plan to wear in the first few days, such as a wedding ring or an everyday watch.
“If a piece means a lot to you, keep it with you,” says Mike Rogers, Director of Claims at National Van Lines. “A small travel bag or case keeps everything together whether you’re driving or flying, and it’ll give you real peace of mind along the way.”
For high-value collections, check out our guide to protecting your medicine and jewelry during a move.
Packing Jewelry for a Move FAQ
How do I protect a jewelry box during a move?
Empty the box first and pack the jewelry separately. Remove or wrap any loose trays, tape cardboard over inner mirrors, and wrap the box in packing paper before adding bubble wrap so tape never touches the finish. Then, place the item in a padded carton and label it as fragile.
Should I clean my jewelry before packing it?
A light cleaning before packing is a good idea. Make sure that every piece dries completely before you wrap it, since trapped moisture can lead to tarnish over a long trip.
Can jewelry go into storage if my move includes a storage stop?
Costume and everyday jewelry packed in a labeled box can go into storage with the rest of your belongings. Keep fine jewelry and heirlooms with you or in a bank safe deposit box until you settle in.
What should I do with my jewelry after the move?
Unpack it early, ideally on the first day, so that nothing stays packed away for long. Check each piece against your inventory or photos, then return it to its usual place in your jewelry box.
Is jewelry covered if it goes on the moving truck?
For interstate moving services, federal rules treat items worth more than $100 per pound as an article of extraordinary value, and jewelry often qualifies. List any fine jewelry that must ship, or keep it with you. But note that if you do not list those items in writing on your mover’s high-value inventory before loading, then the mover’s liability for them may be limited.
Pack Your Jewelry With Confidence for a Long Distance Move
Careful packing and keeping high-value pieces with you can help your jewelry arrive safely at your new home. Ready to plan the rest of your long distance move? Call National Van Lines at 800-323-1962 or request your free moving quote online today.
