Keep irreplaceable documents, essential medicines, keys, small valuables and items the mover excludes under your direct control. Do not leave them in an unattended vehicle or obvious open bag.

Create three custody groups

1. With you: identity, legal/property papers, payment access, medication, devices/backups, jewellery and unique keepsakes.
2. Mover by declaration: items accepted under written value and packing terms.
3. Specialist/secure route: high-value art, collections, data or regulated items.

Check the mover’s exclusions; cash, securities, passports, jewellery and documents are commonly treated differently, but terms vary.

Keep access without exposure

Use a locked, discreet container with a named custodian. Make encrypted copies where appropriate and keep backup separate. Do not place a public label listing valuables.

Inventory

Record item, serial/reference, condition, value evidence, container and custodian. Avoid storing full account numbers in an unsecured moving sheet.

FAQs

Which items might movers exclude?

Cash, documents, jewellery, medicines, dangerous goods and high-value items may be excluded or require declaration. Read the actual terms.

How can documents stay accessible?

Use a locked carry container controlled by one named adult, with secure digital backup where suitable.

Suggested component

Use a privacy-safe Valuables Custody Register without passwords or full financial identifiers.

Related guides

Compare House Movers is an independent guide. We may earn a fee from some links; this never affects what we write.