The Top 8 Most Commonly Broken Items During a Move (and How to Prevent It)

As a college student, moving can be a hectic and stressful experience, especially when it comes to transporting your belongings. Unfortunately, not everything makes it to your new location in one piece. Whether you're moving home for summer or storing your items during the break, certain items are more prone to breaking or getting damaged. In this blog post, we'll explore the top 8 items that are most frequently broken or damaged during moving and storage season for college students, so you can take extra precautions when packing and transporting them. By taking the necessary steps to protect your belongings, you can minimize the damage risk and ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

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#1 Mirrors-

Mirrors are vulnerable to scratches, chips, and cracks, so they make the top of our list! They are probably the most challenging item to move during a college move out, and also the reason they are the most filed-for item when it comes to making an insurance claim, according to the Storage Scholars claims department. To prevent damage to your mirrors, handle them carefully and pack them with caution. First, use packing tape to create an X shape across the mirror's surface to help prevent breakage during transport. Next, wrap the mirror in bubble wrap or blankets to provide extra padding and protection. If possible, place the mirror upright in a secure container with other items that will not move around during transport. If the contents are unclear to movers, it might be a good idea to label it as "fragile" so they will know and take proper precautions. 

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#2 Furniture:

Furniture can be challenging to move out of a college dorm, and it's no surprise that it often gets damaged during the process. Beds, desks, chairs, and bookshelves are often bulky and heavy, and they can be easily bumped into walls and door frames or scraped against the ground. To prevent damage take the time to disassemble and pack each piece properly. Use furniture pads, blankets, or bubble wrap to protect the surfaces, and secure them with packing tape or straps to prevent them from shifting during transportation. Consider hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck to make the process easier and less stressful. 

Another reason that furniture often gets damaged while in storage, according to student storage company Storage Scholars, is because of labels. Labels, if attached improperly, can fall off, causing the item to get "lost" in storage. Labels can also cause damage if placed on furniture that you cannot easily remove. Be careful with where and how you put your labels to minimize damage. 

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#3 Mattress pads-

It may come as a surprise, but mattress pads are a common item for which students file claims due to frequent damages. Because of the uncomfortable and thin mattresses provided in dorm rooms, students often purchase mattress pads to enhance the comfort of their bed. There are a few reasons why they are being damaged during college move-out. We asked the head of Customer Success for Storage Scholars (who also happens to be a part of the Claims Department), Robert Nielsen, who gave us some insight. "Students often leave their dorm for summer break and forget about their mattress pad. They leave it out for the movers to take rather than put it in a box or bag." As a result, Nielsen told us, most white mattress pads become dirty in transport or lose their label due to attaching it improperly (or not at all). It's difficult to tell one mattress pad from another, so once the label is detached, there is no way of knowing who it belongs to. Because of the high number of mattress pad claims in the past, this year, Storage Scholars will require students to place theirs into a bag or box before it goes to storage this move-out season. 

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#4 Plastic drawers:

Plastic drawers are a popular storage solution in college dorms due to their affordability and versatility. However, they can be easily damaged during a move-out or during storage if they are not stored properly. Removing all items from the drawers is essential because keeping them filled is a surefire way to crack them during transport. Many students assume they can use the drawers as storage boxes and wind up surprised when they return cracked. Tape the drawers shut to keep them in place and prevent them from falling out and getting lost in storage. 

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#5 Lamps: 

‍Lamps are another item that can easily get damaged during move-out. The lampshades and light bulbs can break or become bent out of shape during transportation. To prevent damage when moving and storing lamps over the summer:

1. Remove the light bulb and shade from the lamp and pack them separately.
2. Wrap the lamp base and other fragile parts in bubble wrap or towels.
3. Place the wrapped items in a sturdy box with packing peanuts or other cushioning materials to prevent them from shifting.
4. When it's time to unpack, assemble the lamp carefully to ensure it functions properly. 

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#6 Electronics/Appliances:

Electronics and kitchen appliances are among the most fragile and sensitive items damaged during a college dorm move-out. Computers, printers, televisions, gaming systems, microwaves, and mini-fridges can easily be damaged by shock and vibration during transportation. To prevent damage, it's essential to pack them carefully in their original boxes whenever possible or sturdy, padded containers. Remove any cables, cords, or batteries and pack them separately to prevent tangling or damage. Additionally, wrap the items in bubble wrap or blankets to provide extra protection. Storage Scholars includes all the packaging you need when you pick up your boxes on Distribution Day at your school.   

When shopping for a storage unit, choose one that is climate controlled to prevent damage from humidity or heat. Before packing and storing electronics, back up all critical files and data to avoid losing valuable information. 

Side note: Electronics are often the most under-insured item. Be sure to make note of the value of your electronic items and add-on additional insurance to match the value, so you know you will be protected in the event that damage occurs.

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#7 Clothing:

Clothes and shoes can surprisingly get damaged while in storage if not stored properly. The tiniest bit of moisture packed in a unit for months can cause mold and mildew or even attract insects causing damage to clothing, shoes, blankets, pillows, or anything damp. The trick to preventing damage is to ensure all items are completely dry when packing. Using vacuum-sealed bags can save space, keep out dust and moisture, and make long-term storage possible.

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#8 Rugs:

Rugs can be a tricky item to move out of a college dorm, as they are often large and unwieldy. They are easily damaged during transport, with frayed edges, rips, or stains being common issues because they often go unprotected. 

When storing rugs over the summer, cleaning them thoroughly before packing is important. Vacuum them to remove dirt and debris, and spot-clean any stains. Roll the carpet tightly and secure it with twine or straps to prevent it from unrolling during transport. 

Final Thoughts - 

Moving and storing belongings as a college student can be challenging. Items can break if you are in a rush when packing them. Use plenty of packing materials like bubble wrap, packing peanuts, towels, or even clothing to reduce the likelihood of damage. Remember to use sturdy boxes, too (not those cheap ones from Walmart). Use climate-controlled storage for those hot summer months, and remember to label your boxes clearly. If given the option, always purchase extra insurance for your most valuable items to provide an extra layer of protection. With these tips in mind, you can make your next move or storage experience as stress-free and damage-free as possible.

To help reduce your items' damage, call Storage Scholars. We are experts in moving and storage and know how to carefully handle even the most fragile items. We provide all the sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and tape that you need at no extra charge and rest assured that every item comes with $100 of complimentary insurance (and the option to add-on more if needed). We would love to take the stress out of your move. Visit our website or sign up now for your summer move-out.  

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