When people think about moving, they picture boxes, bubble wrap, and maybe a truck or two. But few think about the tiny, personal items that hold major value… like prescription medications and jewelry. These aren’t just things you don’t want to lose. They’re things you can’t afford to misplace.
Your medications may be temperature-sensitive or time-sensitive. If you’re without them for even a day or two, it could create serious health problems. Jewelry might not take up much space, but it’s often expensive, sentimental, or both. A necklace passed down from your grandmother. A wedding ring. A watch you saved up to buy. These items matter— and they need special care when you’re moving long distance.
At National Van Lines, we’ve helped thousands of families relocate with confidence. We always tell our customers: If it’s medication or valuable jewelry, keep it with you. These are things that should never go on the truck.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what to avoid, and how to keep your most personal items safe every step of the way.
What Can Go Wrong (and How to Avoid It)
Even well-organized moves can hit snags. Maybe the truck gets delayed due to the weather. Maybe traffic backs up. Or maybe you arrive at your new home, but your belongings don’t come until tomorrow… or three days from now.
Now imagine that your blood pressure medication, asthma inhaler, or insulin is packed inside one of those boxes on the truck. Or picture realizing your engagement ring is missing from a drawer it never should’ve been packed in. These aren’t just “oops” moments. They can cause major stress, delays in your routine, or even emergency situations.
Here’s where people often go wrong:
- They pack medication in moving boxes or leave it in the bathroom cabinet.
- They assume movers will check drawers before loading furniture.
- They believe insurance will cover the cost of lost or damaged valuables.
- They forget to refill prescriptions before moving day.
- They underestimate how hot moving trucks can get, especially during the summer months.
The solution is simple: carry those items yourself. Whether you’re driving, flying, or riding with family, make sure these essentials stay close to you at all times.
How to Pack Medications the Smart Way
Whether you’ve got a strict schedule for your medications, or a prescription you take on an as-needed basis, ensuring that your medications are on-hand might seem a little stressful. However, you don’t need to overthink it— you just need a plan! Here’s how to protect your medications during a long distance move:
- Pack them in your personal bag or vehicle. Use a small pouch or container that you’ll keep on your person throughout the move.
- Avoid extreme heat. Most medications should be stored at room temperature. Inside a moving trailer, temperatures can easily soar over 100°F. If your meds need to stay cool, use a small insulated bag or travel cooler.
- Keep meds in original containers. This helps you stay organized and may be important if you’re pulled over or flying. It also reduces the risk of mixing things up.
- Bring copies of prescriptions. Especially for controlled substances, having a copy of your script or pharmacy contact info can help if questions come up.
- Refill ahead of time. Don’t wait until you’ve unpacked to realize you’re running low. If your refill window is approaching, get it handled before moving day. We recommend checking to see if your pharmacy has a mobile app— that way, you can easily request a refill, even during the final busy push of packing your house.
- Think about delays. Pack a few extra days’ worth of medicine in case your plans get pushed back. If you use a pill organizer, this is a great time to make use of that “extra dose” compartment.
This is about keeping you safe, comfortable, and on track—even if the rest of the move gets complicated.
How to Safeguard Jewelry and Valuables
Jewelry is easy to overlook during a move, and it’s just as easy to lose, damage, or have stolen. The best way to protect it is to treat it like it’s a carry-on, regardless of whether you’re boarding a plane or not. If you wouldn’t pack it in checked luggage, don’t pack it on the truck.
Here are steps to protect your jewelry the right way:
- Take inventory. Write a list of everything you’re bringing. Snap photos with your phone so you have a visual record in case anything goes missing. We recommend using the notes app on your smartphone to keep it all in one convenient spot.
- Use a travel-safe container. A small jewelry roll, soft-lined case, or locking pouch can keep items from tangling, scratching, or shifting in transit. These are common items that can be found at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
- Keep it with you. No matter how trustworthy your movers are, small valuables should never go on the truck. Give yourself and your moving crew true peace of mind by safely keeping it either on you directly, or in a personal bag or purse.
- Consider insurance. If you’re traveling with high-dollar items, you may want to contact your homeowner’s insurance provider in advance to ask about coverage. Some items may require a separate rider or appraisal.
You’ve worked hard to collect or protect those items. Make sure they stay safe from point A to point B.
A Little Extra Support for Seniors
If you or a loved one is moving later in life, these small items might carry even more weight— emotionally and practically. Downsizing, transitioning to assisted living, or leaving a long-time home all come with unique challenges.
Here are some added tips for older adults and their families:
- Use a pill organizer. It keeps medications sorted by day and dosage, which makes things easier during travel.
- Double-check access. Make sure meds are packed in an easy-to-reach part of your bag and not buried at the bottom.
- Designate a helper. A family member or close friend can help oversee medications or carry valuables during the move.
- Have conversations about heirlooms. If there are pieces of jewelry you plan to give to others, consider passing them along before or during the move so they’re accounted for.
These moves can be emotional. Being extra prepared helps reduce stress and builds confidence in what’s ahead.
Final Check: Keep These Close, and You’re Good to Go
Most moves have at least one unexpected twist. But when your most important items are in your hands (not buried in a box), you’ve already done the most important prep. By keeping medications and valuables with you, you’re not just protecting your property. You’re making sure your move stays safe, calm, and manageable… even if plans change along the way.
We just learned about how to properly protect the little items that have big value during a long distance move. Now, get the facts on how the rest of your belongings are protected in this article.
