recovering family heirlooms

I am making the trip from NY to LA to get my things from ex husband at the beginning of May. It's been 2 1/2 years and he says he's sending them but never does. So I am going down to get my things. The funds raised will be used for gas, rental truck and food to get down and back with my items. I wouldn't care so much since they are just items but there are family heirlooms that belonged to my grandmother, and great-grandmother that are no longer alive and they have more sentimental value to me. And since my ex isn't paying for anything I am left paying for the divorce, and getting my stuff. I work 2 jobs as it is and to add this on top of everything is  very stressful. Any help is greatly appreciated. And the only picture he has sent of my stuff shows it all thrown in boxes in his garage. I don't feel its safe in there.