Thieves may target moving trucks, but you can prevent theft with these simple tips
It’s no secret that moving is a big deal. You’re taking every single item that has any value or meaning to you, loading it up in a truck, and transporting it to a different street, city, or side of the country. If a thief breaks in and steals your belongings, it would severely disrupt your life and moving process. To prevent moving truck break-ins, follow these helpful tips.
1. Lock It Down
Your best bet for keeping your moving truck safe is to make it difficult to access. Purchase or rent chains and padlocks to secure the rear of the truck so thieves can't get in, or at least not without great effort and noise. Thieves look for easy scores, so the harder you can make it to break into your moving truck, the more likely they are to move on to a less-secure vehicle.
Don't rely on the truck's locking mechanism, as they can be easily broken. Padlocks and chains will ensure maximum difficulty for thieves looking to access your moving truck and your belongings.
2. Park the Truck Nearby
Another good way to keep your items safe is to park the moving truck near where you are spending the night. If there’s any commotion during the night, you’re more likely to hear it and potentially scare them off before they can successfully break in.
If you're spending the night at a hotel, you should scout the area out for a parking spot that’s as close to your room as possible. If you suspect thieves are trying to get in, a simple flick of the light switch may be enough to send them scattering.
3. Park in a Secure and Well-Lit Area
The last thing a thief wants to do is draw any attention to themselves, which is why they often conduct burglaries at night. By parking your truck in a well-lit area, it makes break-ins more difficult. When parking the moving truck, look for a spot that is directly under a street lamp. Try to pick the light closest to the room you are staying in.
If it's possible, use garage parking or a valet service that could park your moving truck behind a gate. Keep in mind that some garages may not be tall enough to accommodate a large moving truck, and some hotels will charge a premium for parking.
4. Install a Car Alarm
Again, thieves don't want to attract attention, so a car alarm going off would likely send them running. You can also put a sticker on the window to warn any potential thief that an alarm will go off if they try to break in.
If your moving truck didn't come with a car alarm, you can buy one online or at a local hardware store for $15 to $50. These devices are relatively simple to install and could more than pay for themselves by preventing the theft of your belongings.
5. Purchase Moving Insurance
While moving insurance won't prevent moving truck theft, it will lessen the financial consequences of a burglary. With insurance, you'll be covered for the value of your lost belongings. It will still be difficult to replace anything with sentimental value, but at least you don't have to worry about paying for the majority of the stolen items.
Check with your current car insurer about whether your policy covers moving trucks and the belongings in them. If not, consider buying supplemental insurance for your move.
6. Hire Professional Movers
Contact a moving company for additional help securing your valuables. They may be able to provide security features like padlocks, chains, and alarms. They can also provide additional advice and ideas customized to your travel plans. Plus, professional movers can make your move a lot easier with professional services that take a lot of the pressure off of you, giving you peace of mind about the safety of your belongings during the move.
