Best way to transport a collection when moving?

vibr0nic · June 14, 2013 8:34AM

I am going to be moving from Florida to Texas in the next few weeks, and I am evaluating various options on how to transport my collection.

Has anyone had to go through this before? Any suggestions on the most efficient, safe and secure way to transport a reasonably valuable collection?

Broadstruck · June 14, 2013 8:36AM

Brinks is probably the way to go if it's a sizable collection as you can have them pick it up at your current bank and delivered to your new bank.

CuKevin · June 14, 2013 8:41AM

I was going to suggest Brinks also.

Rampage · June 14, 2013 8:53AM

I gambled and moved everything myself in the back of my vehicle. But, I had everything in boxes and not readily marked.

vibr0nic · June 14, 2013 9:06AM

<< I gambled and moved everything myself in the back of my vehicle. But, I had everything in boxes and not readily marked. >>

Bold move. Glad it worked out.

I will be shipping my vehicles, so I can't quite go that route.

I appreciate the Brinks suggestions. Thanks. I will be calling them Monday.

I am open to any other alternatives and suggestions as well.

morgansforever · June 14, 2013 9:07AM

I would transport it myself, tell no one, take 4 rights before stopping, carry a weapon and never let the vehicle out of sight.

EDIT: Guess it depends on the value. 10's of thousands, I would probably go Brinks.

coindeuce · June 14, 2013 9:13AM

If you have an established street address or a P.O. Box in the new location, package the collection in Flat Rate Priority boxes(double boxed) and send them Registered, with appropriate insured value to yourself.

vibr0nic · June 14, 2013 9:16AM

<< I would transport it myself, tell no one, take 4 rights before stopping, carry a weapon and never let the vehicle out of sight.

EDIT: Guess it depends on the value. 10's of thousands, I would probably go Brinks. >>

I hear ya. I would rather control the transport personally, but the drive is 25 hours or so, and I can't possibly make it in one shot.

That means a hotel stay who knows where with a lot of valuables...sketchy at best.

vibr0nic · June 14, 2013 9:23AM

<< If you have an established street address or a P.O. Box in the new location, package the collection in Flat Rate Priority boxes(double boxed) and send them Registered, with appropriate insured value to yourself. >>

From what I understand, max insurance with USPS Registered Mail is $25k, which is unfortunately inadequate in this particular case. I have heard USPS may insure for more than that... Any truth to this?

Not to mention, a lot of my collections value is in toners, so if I ever had to make a claim, who knows what that conversation would be like "I know it was MS64 and a common date Morgan, but it had pretty colors on it". Lol.

morgansforever · June 14, 2013 9:27AM

Maybe contact a trusted friend and split the ride. I would want total control of the inventory, that's just me. The Brinks route is a great alternative.

BAJJERFAN · June 14, 2013 9:36AM

<< 

<< If you have an established street address or a P.O. Box in the new location, package the collection in Flat Rate Priority boxes(double boxed) and send them Registered, with appropriate insured value to yourself. >>

From what I understand, max insurance with USPS Registered Mail is $25k, which is unfortunately inadequate in this particular case. I have heard USPS may insure for more than that... Any truth to this?

Not to mention, a lot of my collections value is in toners, so if I ever had to make a claim, who knows what that conversation would be like "I know it was MS64 and a common date Morgan, but it had pretty colors on it". Lol. >>

USPS only pays to a max of $25K, but as long as you declare extra value you can ship more. There is a fee per $1,000 for extra security which will be commensurate with the value of the shipment. They may follow delivery in an unmarked vehicle if they deem it necessary. Essentially, they guarantee delivery. Keep in mind that the $25K is per package, so a $100K collection could be sent in 4 different packages of $25K each. Check with your post office. Obviously a single coin worth $100K can only be shipped in one package.

LindeDad · June 14, 2013 9:41AM

Plain cardboard boxes sealed and marked fragile glassware. First on the truck and last off. Load the U-Haul yourself pad lock when loaded and unload yourself at destination or just tell the helpers to put the boxes in the spare bedroom and you will unpack later.
Actually did this twice and luckily I was able to get new SDB's within a day of moving.

morgansforever · June 14, 2013 9:46AM

<<Plain cardboard boxes sealed and marked fragile glassware. First on the truck and last off. Load the U-Haul yourself pad lock when loaded and unload yourself at destination or just tell the helpers to put the boxes in the spare bedroom and you will unpack later. Actually did this twice and luckily I was able to get new SDB's within a day of moving.>>

Excellent idea LindeDad

crypto79 · June 14, 2013 9:47AM

Maybe it's because I am numbed by the cost of my and my wife's wedding rings and watches that are always just hanging out but you all sound very scared over stuff, IMO not a way to live ones life.

My advice:
1-if it is big put it a box, if small a back pack
2-keep your mouth shut
3-move said box in you personal car be it driven or shipped, if a backpack keep it with you when you fly.
4-unload said box or backpack
5-worry about other stuff

BAJJERFAN · June 14, 2013 9:57AM

<< Plain cardboard boxes sealed and marked fragile glassware. First on the truck and last off. Load the U-Haul yourself pad lock when loaded and unload yourself at destination or just tell the helpers to put the boxes in the spare bedroom and you will unpack later.
Actually did this twice and luckily I was able to get new SDB's within a day of moving. >>

This is probably what I would do.

Unknown · June 14, 2013 10:05AM

This content has been removed.

halfhunter · June 14, 2013 10:07AM

<< Maybe it's because I am numbed by the cost of my and my wife's wedding rings and watches that are always just hanging out but you all sound very scared over stuff, IMO not a way to live ones life.

My advice:
1-if it is big put it a box, if small a back pack
2-keep your mouth shut
3-move said box in you personal car be it driven or shipped, if a backpack keep it with you when you fly.
4-unload said box or backpack
5-worry about other stuff >>

I just left mine in the ol'safe & let the movers struggle with it ! ! !

Made the move from NC to GA just fine . . .

HH

TwoSides2aCoin · June 14, 2013 10:18AM

Boxes. Lots of boxes, for the gold. Some bags. Preferably canvas for the silver. Pack this in a larger box marked "dirty laundry" Toss in the back of the truck underneath a garbage bag full of aluminum cans and garbage bag full of stacks of newspaper. Then off ya go. Take a really ugly woman with you, and don't wash the truck.

TGIF

TwoSides2aCoin · June 14, 2013 10:23AM

I forgot to say : send the pretty lady with the advanced party.

mrpotatoheadd · June 14, 2013 10:26AM

1. Unload safe.
2. Put safe on moving truck before anything else.
3. Reload safe.
4. Load the rest of your stuff on the moving truck.

Reverse the process at your destination.

19Lyds · June 14, 2013 10:43AM

<< I gambled and moved everything myself in the back of my vehicle. But, I had everything in boxes and not readily marked. >>

As did I.

Along with my Les Paul and Hummingbird Guitars and a change of clothing.

One stop over night and all went into the motel room. Easy Peasy.

MidLifeCrisis · June 14, 2013 10:44AM

Step one - sell everything while still in Florida.

Step two - start fresh when you get to Texas.

amwldcoin · June 14, 2013 10:45AM

WELL! Your 1st mistake was broadcasting here! The best security is secrecy!

19Lyds · June 14, 2013 10:46AM

<< 

<< I gambled and moved everything myself in the back of my vehicle. But, I had everything in boxes and not readily marked. >>

Bold move. Glad it worked out.

I will be shipping my vehicles, so I can't quite go that route.

I appreciate the Brinks suggestions. Thanks. I will be calling them Monday.

I am open to any other alternatives and suggestions as well. >>

"How Much" or How Many items are in your collection?

What weight are you looking at? How much space is occupied? Mine fit in 5 12 gallon tote bins which were quite heavy.

CoinRaritiesOnline · June 14, 2013 10:46AM

If you have insurance on the collection, ask your insurance company if/how they can cover it in transit. My guess is they are not going to like the "throw it on the moving van" strategy.

If you don't have insurance, send it to yourself via Registered Mail in as many boxes as necessary.

All of the self-insuring suggestions in this thread are fantastic until you suffer a loss.

Cougar1978 · June 14, 2013 11:11AM

I use the same protocol as when driving with my inventory to a coin show. The coins are with me at all times from safe to new location and pack serious heat. I keep them in nice brief cases or suit cases in trunk of car (out of sight is out of mind). I never, ever leave the car unattended when dining. I have mastered the art of eating fast food while driving.

vibr0nic · June 14, 2013 11:25AM

<< WELL! Your 1st mistake was broadcasting here! The best security is secrecy! >>

Ha, well, to be honest, I've probably shared a good portion of my collection here and on the currency side, so it's not exactly top secret.

I fully understand the increased exposure by discussing it here, but it all comes down to making sure my ducks are in a row. My collection is quite secure, and out of reach, and will generally remain so at my present location and my future one.

Plus, if this thread helps other collectors when facing such a dilemma in the future, all the better.

LindeDad · June 14, 2013 11:25AM

<< WELL! Your 1st mistake was broadcasting here! The best security is secrecy! >>

So TRUE......

coindeuce · June 14, 2013 11:28AM

<< 

<< If you have an established street address or a P.O. Box in the new location, package the collection in Flat Rate Priority boxes(double boxed) and send them Registered, with appropriate insured value to yourself. >>

From what I understand, max insurance with USPS Registered Mail is $25k, which is unfortunately inadequate in this particular case. I have heard USPS may insure for more than that... Any truth to this?

Not to mention, a lot of my collections value is in toners, so if I ever had to make a claim, who knows what that conversation would be like "I know it was MS64 and a common date Morgan, but it had pretty colors on it". Lol. >>

You're not obligated to pack everything into one box. I certainly didn't recommend that. Each Registered article is insurable up to $25K. And the "ever had to make a claim" is a big IF. The U.S.P.S. loss rate on Registered articles is but a tiny fraction of 1% of all Registered articles shipped during the course of a calendar year.

slimedog · June 14, 2013 12:10PM

For a move from GA to WA the collection went into a rolling carry on size suit case. The proof sets went into an empty guitar case. My brother traveled with me and one of us was always with the car when we stopped for gas and/or food. at night those two things went into the room. Also, we were both armed.

keyman64 · June 14, 2013 12:20PM

When I moved from Texas to Florida I drove all of my valuables. For me it was a straight 23.5 hour drive. Movers drove the main moving truck but I drove my vehicle while my best friend drove another vehicle for me. Valuables were with me.

Good luck with your situation! I think Brinks is what PCGS uses for shows so if it's good enough for them...

bolivarshagnasty · June 14, 2013 12:44PM

Don't like the packing the coins in a moving van or U-Haul. I've heard of entire vans and u-hauls being stolen from motels. If the Brinks deal is not too expensive I'd go that route. As John said, check with your insurance company
for coverage and suggestions. JMHO

WTCG · June 14, 2013 1:39PM

Brinks is the safest option but chances are you'll be perfectly fine transporting coins in a locked box in the car. If thieves break into the car they'll be most likely to make off with your DVD player or TV instead of the coins.

gamr0n · June 14, 2013 2:12PM

I'm not sure how viable this is, but presumably you have an address in FL to your new home. I would put in place a "hold mail service" at the local FL USPS office, then mail your items and pick them up at your leisure once settled in.

https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/

BAJJERFAN · June 14, 2013 2:20PM

<< I'm not sure how viable this is, but presumably you have an address in FL to your new home. I would put in place a "hold mail service" at the local FL USPS office, then mail your items and pick them up at your leisure once settled in.

https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/ >>

He is moving from Florida to Text Us!

gamr0n · June 14, 2013 2:28PM

Oh well, then TX instead of FL. My mistake.

BAJJERFAN · June 14, 2013 2:54PM

If he sends it registered right before he leaves, he'll probably beat it to Texas and upon arrival it will be held under lock and key for at least a week.

derryb · June 14, 2013 3:06PM

multiple flat rate priority boxes sent registered. Keep each box under $25K value and insure.

Amigo · June 14, 2013 3:30PM

I learned my lesson about 7 yrs ago. I had two suit cases of what I considered to be very valuable. Tranporting in my truck over 3 states away.

I ended up on a rural texas hiway trying for a short cut. There was a screwy curvy 4 way intersection whearas the highway sign was placed so close that I had to take my eyes off the intersection. There was also some roadside jerk selling crap right at the intersection that averted more of my attention. I ended up completely in the incoming traffic. By the time I refocused from the horn, inbound was a large truck pulling a horse trailer that ran off the road to avoid me. We were both probably doing 60mph. It was one of those moments when everything slowed down to the micro second and I could see all of my valuables flying in the air and landing in the ditches with me dead. I honestly thought we collided, a second latter I realized we barely missed. I learned my lesson right then and there not to carry that much in valuables with me. I don't want my stuff scattered across the ashalt like the Walton nickel. You have an ah ha moment like that, and you won't forget.

vibr0nic · June 14, 2013 4:34PM

I did a little research on the Registered Mail option.

Priority Registered Mail is roughly $60 in shipping costs for a $25k package. This works out to about $2.50 per $1,000 in value. Seems reasonable.

I will try to report back on how the Brinks quote compares.

ricko · June 15, 2013 1:42AM

I have moved from CA to TX, TX to AZ, AZ to Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico to AZ, AZ to FL, FL to WA and WA to NY. Each time I packed my boxes and used a moving company. Never had a loss or problem. Cheers, RickO

BAJJERFAN · June 15, 2013 3:10AM

<< I did a little research on the Registered Mail option.

Priority Registered Mail is roughly $60 in shipping costs for a $25k package. This works out to about $2.50 per $1,000 in value. Seems reasonable.

I will try to report back on how the Brinks quote compares. >>

When you submit your change of address/mail forwarding card check with your present PO to make sure that you will be able to receive mail at the new address. Wouldn't hurt to FAX that info to the new PO too. I have had mail not get delivered to a PO box, because the specific addressee WAS NOT on the approved list of names able to accept mail delivery to that PO box.

Best way to transport a collection when moving?

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