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Insurance when moving: how to be properly covered
A move is exactly when damage can happen — in transit, at the old home or in storage. That's when you want your belongings well insured. This guide shows which insurance you need, why you shouldn't cancel your home contents policy too early, and how your things are covered during transport and storage.
Moving tipsExternal storage
Moving
June 24, 2026
Bram Jansen
6 min
Insurance when moving: how to be properly covered
A move is exactly when damage can happen — in transit, at the old home or in storage. That's when you want your belongings well insured. This guide shows which insurance you need, why you shouldn't cancel your home contents policy too early, and how your things are covered during transport and storage.
Moving tips
External storage
Moving
June 24, 2026Bram Jansen
INSURANCE WHEN MOVING: WHAT TO ARRANGE
Short answer: arrange your home contents insurance — and for a bought home, your buildings insurance too — in time at your new address, and don't cancel your old contents policy too early. That way you're not left uncovered during the transition. Transport and storage have their own points to watch, which we set out below.
1. BUILDINGS & CONTENTS INSURANCE
If you buy a home, you arrange buildings insurance for the property itself — covering damage from fire, storm or burglary. On top of that you have contents insurance for your loose belongings. Make sure both run at your new address from key handover, so you're covered from day one.
2. DON'T CANCEL TOO EARLY
Let your old contents insurance run until you've actually moved. Cancel it too early and you're uncovered in the interim — exactly when your belongings are vulnerable and your old home stands empty. Many insurers cover contents at both addresses briefly around the moving date; check how long that overlap applies.
3. DAMAGE DURING TRANSPORT
If you move yourself, damage in transit isn't automatically covered — which can be an expensive surprise. If you hire a moving company, your contents are often covered (additionally) during the move, but the terms vary. Always ask in advance what exactly is covered and up to what amount.
4. INSURANCE DURING STORAGE
Storage providers usually aren't liable for damage to your belongings, so arrange proper cover. At Inbox Storage, only items packed according to our packing instructions are covered by the basic insurance — so pack fragile things well and report particularly valuable or large pieces in advance, so we can insure them properly.
CHECK YOUR POLICY IF IN DOUBT
Insurance terms vary widely per company — think maximum periods, cover during moving and storage, and exclusions for certain items. We're not an insurance adviser, so if in doubt read your policy terms carefully or call your insurer, especially if you're moving or storing valuable items.
🏠 Buildings insurance for a bought home (the property itself)
📦 Contents insurance for your belongings — don't cancel too early
🚚 Transport: check whether damage in transit is covered
🔐 Storage: the provider usually isn't liable — arrange cover
By Bram Jansen — Lead Storage Advisor at Inbox Storage. Updated: June 2026.
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INSURANCE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The questions we get asked most about insurance around a move and storage. Bear in mind that the exact rules vary per insurer — these are general guidelines, not insurance advice.
ARE MY THINGS INSURED DURING THE MOVE?
That depends on how you move. If you do it yourself, damage in transit is usually at your own expense. With a moving company your contents are often covered (additionally) during the move — ask what exactly is in the quote and up to what amount.
DOES MY CONTENTS INSURANCE COVER STORAGE?
Many contents policies also cover items in external storage, but often with a maximum period and a maximum amount. Check this explicitly in your policy terms before you put your things away, and ask your insurer if it's unclear.
WHEN DO I CANCEL MY OLD INSURANCE?
Only once the move is genuinely complete and your old home is empty and handed over. That prevents a gap in your cover. Give your new address to your insurer; often the policy simply continues and only the address is changed.
HOW DOES IT WORK AT INBOX?
At Inbox Storage, only items packed according to our packing instructions are covered by the basic insurance. So pack fragile things well, and report valuable or large pieces in advance. You'll find the exact terms and cover on our insurance terms page.
PROPERLY INSURED STORAGE AT INBOX
We pick up your belongings at your door and keep them safe and climate-controlled in our secure hub in Gouda. Only items packed according to our packing instructions are covered by the basic insurance, so pack fragile things well and report valuable pieces in advance. See our insurance terms for the details.
🛡️ Contents insurance often covers (temporary) external storage too — check the terms
💎 Report particularly valuable items in advance
⏳ Keep your old policy running until the move is complete
📋 Read the terms or call your insurer if in doubt
Well packed and arranged in time — that's how you're well covered before, during and after the move.
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We pick up your belongings at your door and store them securely; well packed, they're covered by our basic insurance.
- Throughout NL and Belgium
- Picked up & returned to your door
- Climate-controlled, secure storage
- From 1 month onwards