Moving into a new home is often stressful, and the last thing anyone wants is to discover that their belongings have been damaged in the process. From scratched furniture and broken dishes to damaged electronics, accidents can happen even with careful planning. Families in Sweden often turn to a Flyttfirma Malmö to reduce these risks, but no move is entirely free of potential mishaps. Knowing exactly what steps to take if something goes wrong can help you protect your finances, reduce stress, and ensure accountability.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize their rights or the proper process for filing a claim until it’s too late. Movers may have different policies, and homeowners can sometimes feel lost in paperwork or unsure how to negotiate compensation. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared with the right knowledge ahead of time. By working with licensed and insured movers, you can greatly minimize the risks, but if damage does occur, the following steps will guide you through what to do next.
Step 1: Assess the Damage Immediately
The first thing to do is inspect your belongings as soon as they arrive at your new home. Don’t wait until days later, as it can be difficult to prove that the damage occurred during the move.
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Check large items first: Look for dents, scratches, or broken pieces on furniture, appliances, and fragile boxes.
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Unpack fragile boxes quickly: Items like glassware, artwork, and electronics are most likely to suffer damage.
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Take inventory: Compare what you see with your original moving checklist to make sure everything has arrived intact.
The faster you identify issues, the stronger your case will be if you need to file a claim.
Step 2: Document Everything Thoroughly
Once you spot damage, gather as much evidence as possible. Clear documentation is critical for any claims process.
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Take photos and videos: Capture the damage from different angles, showing both the item and the box it was packed in (if possible).
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Keep broken pieces: Don’t throw anything away, as movers or insurance companies may want to inspect it.
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Note conditions: If boxes were wet, torn, or poorly taped, make sure to document that as well.
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Write a description: Record exactly what happened and what the item looked like before the move.
The more details you can provide, the better your chances of getting fair compensation.
Step 3: Review Your Moving Contract
Before contacting the moving company, take a close look at your signed contract. This will help you understand what type of liability coverage you agreed to. Common types include:
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Basic coverage: Movers often provide coverage by weight (e.g., a set amount per kilogram). This usually doesn’t cover the full value of expensive items.
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Full-value protection: This means the moving company must either repair the item, replace it, or provide a cash settlement for its full market value.
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Third-party insurance: If you purchased additional insurance, contact your provider for instructions on making a claim.
Knowing what coverage you have prevents confusion when you reach out to the movers.
Step 4: Contact the Moving Company Immediately
Once you’ve documented the damage and reviewed your contract, reach out to the moving company as soon as possible.
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Report promptly: Most companies have strict deadlines (sometimes as little as a few days) for filing claims.
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Stay professional: Stay calm and polite, even if you’re frustrated. Clear communication gets better results.
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Provide documentation: Send photos, videos, and a written report of the damage along with your claim.
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Request next steps: Ask the company to explain their process, timeline, and expected outcome.
Acting quickly shows the movers that you’re serious and prevents disputes about when the damage occurred.
Step 5: File a Formal Claim
Verbal complaints aren’t enough—you’ll need to submit a formal claim through the mover’s process.
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Fill out official forms: Many moving companies provide claim forms for damaged or lost items.
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Provide receipts: If you still have receipts for high-value items, include them as proof of value.
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Be detailed: Don’t just say “table broken”—instead, write “wooden dining table, cracked leg, purchased 2019, replacement value approx. 3,000 SEK.”
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Keep copies: Always keep a copy of the claim and related correspondence for your records.
The claim should be filed within the mover’s specified timeframe to remain valid.
Step 6: Negotiate and Follow Up
In many cases, movers may offer less compensation than you expect. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
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Compare with your coverage: If you paid for full-value protection, make sure the compensation matches.
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Ask for repair or replacement: Sometimes movers can arrange repairs instead of cash payouts.
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Stay persistent: Follow up regularly if the company is slow to respond.
If the moving company refuses to cooperate, you may need to escalate.
Step 7: Escalate If Necessary
If negotiations stall, consider these steps:
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Contact consumer protection agencies: In Sweden, the Konsumentverket (Consumer Agency) can help mediate disputes.
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File a complaint with industry associations: If your movers are members of a professional organization, report the issue there.
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Consider legal action: For high-value losses, consulting a lawyer may be worthwhile.
Most disputes can be resolved before reaching this point, but it’s good to know your options.
Step 8: Learn for the Future
Even if the situation is resolved, use the experience to improve your next move.
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Work with reputable movers: Always check reviews and verify insurance before booking.
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Label fragile items clearly: Use “fragile” stickers and communicate special handling needs to the crew.
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Pack valuables yourself: Items like jewelry, documents, and small electronics should always travel with you.
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Take photos before moving: Having proof of an item’s condition before the move makes claims easier.
By applying these lessons, you can minimize the chances of repeat issues in future moves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Waiting too long to report damage.
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Not reading the moving contract before filing a claim.
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Accepting the first low compensation offer without negotiation.
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Failing to provide photos or receipts.
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Throwing away damaged items before the claim is resolved.
Avoiding these mistakes strengthens your position and ensures you’re treated fairly.
Final Thoughts
Discovering that your belongings have been damaged during a move can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect both your property and your finances. By inspecting items immediately, documenting the damage, reviewing your contract, and filing a formal claim quickly, you’ll maximize your chances of fair compensation.
Working with a reputable moving company makes a big difference. Choosing professionals who are insured, experienced, and customer-focused reduces the likelihood of problems and provides peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.
Moving is stressful enough without damaged belongings adding to the chaos. With preparation, documentation, and persistence, you can turn a stressful situation into a manageable one and move forward confidently in your new home.
