BOUNTIFUL -- Each year 40 million Americans spend months planning a move, weeks meticulously packing and days worrying if their household belongings will arrive intact. In reality, most people do not know how truly unprotected their property is throughout the moving process. The biggest mistake made in moving is forgoing insurance because people assume that moving companies are responsible for any belongings broken or damaged during transport. Moving companies provide very limited coverage in terms of dollar amount and specific property items, advised All-state Insurance agent Lance Anderson. Homeowners insurance policies do a better job protecting valuables and are often more affordable than coverage offered by moving companies.

Home or rental insurance policies on a new or current residence should cover up to the set personal property policy limits. As long as you actually move within 30 days and acquire a new residence, the policy is enforced in full. After 30 days, only 10 percent of your loss will be covered.

There are generally limitations within your policy as to when a claim can be filed, Anderson noted. Once you get to your new residence, you should go through all of your items and make sure nothing has been damaged so you don't go past that time limit of filing a claim.

In order to properly insure items for replacement value, a valued inventory form is required. This allows you to accurately determine the value of your goods in the case of damage or loss. Moving your residence won't be as filled with anxiety if you consider some simple insurance options.