The following tips are offered to remind movers of some
ideas to prevent damages during transit.
We will be glad to receive any tips you might have – submit here
Cuckoo Clocks
Problem: The one ambient noise your shipper has brought with them to their new home is missing. No…
It’s not the neighbor’s barking dog–it’s the ticking and chiming of the “Family Cuckoo Clock!” Everyone
seems aware that large pendulum clocks (Grandfather and Grandmother type) require special attention. This
attention is best given by specially trained packers or clock repair firms. It would seem the same attention is not
given to the Cuckoo Clock and quite often these items sustain damage or the drive chain comes off. I would
like to address the temptation of the moving industry to treat the Cuckoo Clock as if it was constructed with digital technology
they are not. If the chains are not secured, they can come off the drive gears and reattaching them can require
some rather tedious removal of the mechanisms and the proper reinstallation of all parts.
Solution: It’s simple–Secure the chains so they cannot come off the internal gears
Chipped Veneer
Problem: Loose veneer would seem to be an area of inspections at origin that is all too commonly overlooked.
A couple of routine actions can cause the need for extensive repairs: #1 Picking up an older case good or
#2 Covering and uncovering the same item with a moving pad. Both actions can cause considerable
portions of old dry and extremely loose veneer to fall off, exposing glaring sections of core wood.
Even though this should reasonably be interpreted as inherent risk, that position falls short when the customer
knows the damage wasn’t there before, there are glaring chipped areas where the veneer
has come off, and the loose veneer was not noted on the inventory.
Solution: It would seem this problem is prevalent enough (and the cause of many costly repairs) to
justify the creation and inclusion of an additional exception symbol on the inventory and it might help
to alleviate the problem. The symbol could be: LV = loose veneer.
Marble Topped Case Goods
(Tables, Buffets, Dressers, Washstands, etc.) Problem: Although the veins in marble allow repairs
to blend when it breaks, they are the root cause of the problem. The designs are created by a
mixture of materials that are made of different densities. Yes, marble is a stone, but integrity-wise
it more resembles peanut brittle glued together with cupcake icing.
Solution: Treat all marble pieces as if they were glass, full of fractures (that is it is VERY, VERY FRAGILE).
The marble can break from its own weight if not crated and handled with the utmost care.
POT METAL PULLS/HANDLES
Problem: Easily broken pot metal pulls and handles on dressers, chests and other case good items.
Solution: The fancier they are the more we need to consider removing them prior to handling. While
I have had some success repairing some of these items using posting and epoxy, many are just too
delicate to lend enough strength for a sturdy repair. If you have ever tried to find a match
for the handles of your bedroom set, you will realize why replacement of all the pulls is the best approach.
However, this can mean that a broken $5 or $20 part will mean $100’s just for replacement parts
–Especially when you’re talking about 9-drawer dressers, nightstands, chests, etc. (all of course having to match).
CASE GOODS — LOST HARDWARE
Problem: Lost fasteners (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.) when disassembling an item in preparation for
transportation. Generally, this is applicable to case goods: computer desks, armoires, entertainment
centers, China cabinets, hutches, etc. We are seeing a lot of claims of missing parts.
It seems that the effect of the loss of these apparently insignificant parts is not being appreciated.
A 75-cent bolt can become a $100 service call.
While I can and do carry a myriad of nuts, bolts, screws and related fasteners, it’s impossible to keep up with the
manufacturers use of custom fasteners for many items–many times they are proprietary to the piece.
Solution: Enforce the use of the policies that have been created to deal with this exact problem.
Most moving companies have such a policy in place. It requires a small plastic or cloth bag that
the fasteners can be put inside of, and then tie to or tape the bag right on the item itself.
This may save you a claim.
CASE GOODS — PACKING/TRANSPORTING
Problem: Often, when I address repairs to the tops of case good items, there are other damages to the piece.
These usually include scratches, dents and rubs in random fashion that would have been
overlooked by the shipper except for the extreme damage to the top. This repeated scenario points
out the importance of taking extra care in protecting the tops of dressers, chests and tables.
The most high quality moving pad will not protect a finished wooden top from the pressure created
by another item with feet or legs placed feet down on top of the case good. All too often I have
seen the pattern of two or more impressions caused by an item such as a trunk or cedar chest,
which is delivered at destination to the same room as the damaged item. Next to a cross-grain scratch on a l
ight-colored piece, some of the most demanding repairs are the pressure dents.
Solution: Whatever the inconvenience, we would suggest this packing technique be avoided at all cost.
There are ways to pack items without placing feet on top of tables, etc. It will save
lots of future claims & headaches for all concerned.
THE PERSONAL COMPUTER
Problem: Even though the standard rule of “no visible trauma” can render the damage claim on a
computer invalid, it is still upsetting to many customers. The shipper knows that this item was
working prior to the move and now “it won’t even boot up.”
Solution: The good news is that manufacturers have addressed the potential damage to internal
hard drives with “Auto Parking” features. Most of the claims should be a thing of the past if this feature is utilized.
The bad news is there are still plenty of the old systems that can be damaged with a bump.
What we may not be aware of is that even when packed in the original packaging, these
items are so fragile that it is recommended that they not be tipped in transit or packing!
FURNITURE FINIALS
Potential Problem: Finials for tall clocks, secretaries, dresser mirrors and poster beds.
There seems to be a common complaint about these items in the “Lost or Missing Department.”
The bad news is these items are usually made for a specific application and replacement requires
they be custom made involving related costs. The good news is a common hiding place
often exposes these illusive devils.
Potential Solution: Although a thorough search of the unit’s drawers is always a good idea
(because that’s where they’re usually placed in preparation for the move), you may need
to remove the drawers and search the drawer compartment.
Over the years I have turned up several finials doing just this.
TV RELOCATION PROBLEMS
“DEGAUSSING” This is a term that an old-time TV repairman might recognize.
It was what we used to do on new color TV installations. It was accomplished
with coil that produced an electric field that aligned the color guns to make
Uncle Miltie’s lips red and the Texaco service men’s uniforms green(and if you
know who I’m talking about–I know how old you are!).
Today that service isn’t necessary. The sets are made to address degaussing automatically
the next few times the on-off switch is activated. In some cases, it may take more than
a few times to accomplish the desired results. I have seen a few claims referring to this
problem (often caused by the jostling of a major movement of the set), and usually by the
time a repair firm goes on-site to inspect the claim, the phenomenon has cured itself and the
shipper is a little embarrassed and wants some assurance it’s not going
to happen again. It shouldn’t, but I try not to use any absolute assurances,
since it’s the quickest way to run into the rare exception.
KING SIZE MATTRESSES
A KING SIZE MATTRESS can be a large ticket replacement item, and much too often, it has been for many
moving companies. Problem: A mattress develops a crease down the middle that wasn’t there
before being transported. This damage is the direct result of folding to remove it from that upstairs bedroom.
The mover must be responsible—after all, it was folded when it was originally brought into the room and
there was no damage. The carrier and the customer often overlook the explanation for this common occurrence.
When it was placed in the bedroom originally, it was new and the internal ties were less apt to slip or let go.
After a few years (sometimes decades) of use, the ties loosen and when the mattress is now
folded, the results are quite noticeable.
SOLUTION: Given the propensity for this to happen the shipper should be asked to accept responsibility.
SILK LAMPSHADES
Problem: Torn, broken, creased, etc. lamp shade liners. Costly claims are being made if they are of
SILK because the lining becomes damaged (bent, creased, cracked) during transit.
This problem has become as common as four-wheel drive pickup trucks. I’m sure it seems
economical to pack more than one lampshade to a carton; after all, they fit like stackable restaurant chairs.
The problem is that these liners have usually become extremely brittle by the heat produced by the
light bulbs during normal use. Like all petroleum-based products, they oxidize and the light bulb heat
accelerates the drying out process. The shades then become vulnerable to cracking and bending when stacked.
Solution: Costly claims are being made on SILK LAMPSHADES because the lining becomes damaged
(bent, creased, cracked) during transit. Use individual cartons for lampshades.
It may seem like an incredible waste of space, but will save replacement costs later and is
especially prudent when silk lampshades are involved.
HUTCH / ARMOIRE / CHINA CLOSET
Moving claims have a cumulative effect that grows at an alarming rate.
This is to say, one or two obvious problems very quickly become an inquiry sometimes involving more
scrutiny than a Ken Starr investigation. If we can eliminate the one or two obvious problems, the stress
and costs that naturally follow can be avoided. Problem: One of those common problems is the hutch,
armoire or China closet that no longer has properly functioning door latch mechanisms. A very high
percentage of these problems can be quickly cured by leveling the case item. With an open front
cabinet frame, the frame will distort according to the level of the floor.
Solution: A simple shim (or explanation to the shipper) will definitely
reduce one of these obvious settling-in problems and potential claim.
WOOD FLOORING
It seems most people are now aware that sliding appliances across soft vinyl flooring produces damages.
What we find seems to be forgotten is that sliding sofas, or case goods, across hardwood floors can
also produce digs and scratches. Problem: Polyurethane floors are durable and look good.
However, they are not impervious to being scratched from various metal protrusions.
The qualities that make poly finished floors look great also mean that any damage draws attention
(just like construction dust or hairs in a high gloss dining room table top). Remember, the furniture
being moved to a new environment may come from a carpeted flooring where a worn furniture glide
that wasn’t noticed before will now cause damage (sometimes major) to a finished wood floor.
Solution: If you’re proud of your new floors, don’t slide case goods or overstuffs on finished wood floors.
Repairs can sometimes be accomplished on scratched wood floors and is not as expensive
as a complete refinishing job, but good repairs are not always possible.
PARTICLE BOARD FURNITURE
Veneered particle board furniture has become very popular. The entertainment center, shelving carts and computer
furniture is not only very functional, it combines features of low cost and surprising good looks.
Problem: It was designed for withstanding vertical pressure only. These items are very vulnerable to
damage when horizontal stress is applied. Acceleration, deceleration and turning while an item is in
transit exerts enough horizontal pressure to break shelves and, at times, collapse entire units.
Solution: Prior to moving, take the time to dismantle these items. They’re
usually easily dismantled through inter-locking hardware. If circumstances
don’t allow dismantling, make sure these items are secured from shifting and,
if space is a premium, use lightweight filler materials only.
FILE CABINETS
Problem: Crushed sides and bent or misaligned drawers. When they were
made with more metal than a tin can, we used to strap them to a dolly and
wheel them away—no problems. Experience should be telling us the $39.00
“Big Box Store” Specials can’t be given the same treatment as high-quality
file cabinet furniture. Flimsy drawers fully loaded and strapped to a dolly
is a formula for a certain claim with no remedy for repairing.
Solution: Carton the file drawer contents and hand carry the cabinets.
WOODEN RAIL BED ASSEMBLY
When assembling beds with wooden rails, the most convenient tool is often what is at hand, and that might
be one of the bed slats or one’s foot. While this is a functional approach, it generally leads to damage on top of
the wooden rail that is being hammered. The result ranges from dented solid wood to chipped veneer rails.
Problem: Even though this area of the bed is usually covered by bedding, more claims are turning
up with this type of damage claimed.
Solution #1: Pad the area that is being hammered, wiggle the headboard and
footboard slightly when the rail is being snuggled down for easier assembly.
This should save on some costly claims and salvage goodwill. Solution #2: An honest
discussion and understanding of this potential prior to moving. This should go a long way
to ease the suspicion that there was negligence on the part of the mover.
DAMAGED ITEMS THAT “CAN’T” BE REPAIRED
Problem: Sometimes a well-intentioned driver tells a shipper that an item damaged in transit can’t
be repaired. Whatever the approach or technique, we as repair firms, are well aware that the
FIRST STEP to a successful claim satisfaction is to obtain the shipper’s confidence that
we CAN accomplish the job. No one wants to start any job saddled with an unnecessary handicap and
I would like to outline one such handicap here. “The driver told me this item can’t be repaired.”
This statement is usually expressed in one of two scenarios: #1 The driver is one of those painfully
honest guys who have been involved with less than professional repairs,
OR #2 He has made exception on the item when he picked it up at storage, absolving himself of responsibility.
In either case, it’s a mistake that only makes the repair firms task that much more difficult.
Solution: The decision as to whether or not an item can be repaired should
be left to the expertise of a professional repair firm and the adjuster
who may decide an item is not worth repairing.
