The Moving Planner Blog

These days most of us have a full collection of MP3 players, laptops and netbooks, smart phones, GPS devices, and other electronics to go along with the more traditional valuables like passports, jewellery, and credit cards. Unfortunately one side effect of the gradual miniaturization of electrical devices is that they’re now easier to steal than ever before. It was one thing for a burglar to break into a house and cart away the stereo system and now it’s another, far simpler matter to steal an iPod from a cafe table.

Keeping track of all your small valuables can be tricky, especially while moving an office, moving to storage, or switching houses or apartments. There are two strategies to take. The first is to store all your expensive or irreplaceable bits and pieces in a lockable box and take good care of the box, and the second is to find safe places for them individually.

Very small items like jewellery should never be consigned to long distance movers. It is an unfortunate truth that boxes can and do go missing, either through foul play or by accident. Your valuables are better off in your own hands- keep them in your hand luggage if you are flying to your new home.

Jewelery and passports are usually stored in lockable boxes, and locks can take several forms. Most are either the classic key lock, where one or two unique keys are used to open the box, or a combination lock  with a set numerical pass-code. There are pros and cons to both. Keys can be lost but pass codes can also be forgotten.

A locksmith can usually open a jewelery box if the keys have gone missing, but this kind of locking mechanism can often be easily broken, especially on the more ornate kind of box. Combination locks are less decorative and usually harder to force but it can be very difficult and time-consuming to get the lock open should the pass-code be forgotten.

When choosing combinations, always pick a memorable date or another number with particular relevance. That way you don’t have to write down the number itself, just a reminder. If the code is a birthday, note it down with a nickname rather than a real name- family birthdays are often written around the home and it won’t be difficult for a determined thief to find the right date.

Combination locks are also found on the security cables that can be used to secure computer equipment. Most laptops and netbooks have a connection point for a security cable. A small device locks into the port and can’t be released until the combination is entered, and the other end of the cable can be looped around any large, hard-to-move piece of furniture. A bedstead is ideal.

Like anything else, laptop security cables vary widely in quality. The best course of action is to buy one that reflects the quality of your laptop. If you have a sleek and expensive top-of-the-line model, get the finest security cable you can find. If, on the other hand, your computer is a little older or less desirable, a cheaper model will probably be OK.