When it comes time to move it is important to stay organized and creating an inventory list of your items is a good place to start. Here are some guidelines to help you create your inventory list.

What exactly is a moving inventory list?

This is a list or document outlining all the of items that you will be moving from your old location to your new one. It provides a detailed description of each item including their condition and value.

Why creating an inventory list is so important

Although there are some obvious reasons for creating an inventory list such as keeping yourself organized and also keeping track of your belongings, you will also realize that there are some benefits to doing this as well. Below are some of the most important reasons to create your inventory list.

An accurate inventory list will get you an accurate price estimate for your move. One of the most significant factors in determining the cost of your move is the cubic footage/volume of your items. An inventory list provides a visual representation of all your belongings which you can easily use to calculate the cubic footage. At Express Moving, we can go based off your list and input all the items which will calculate the cubic footage of your move and determine an accurate price for you. We will also be able to factor in any additional costs for special packing or services you may require for your move. If you plan to pack your boxes yourself, the inventory list will give you a good idea of how many packing supplies you will need to buy.

Purge unncessary items to lower your cost. Many people don't realize how much stuff they have accumulated until they start trying to pack it into boxes. A home inventory will help you know what to get rid of before the move in order to cut down on unnecessary costs. The list also allows you to know which items are damaged, duplicated or outdated so that those belongings can be donated or thrown out. Reducing the amount of items you're moving will reduce the overall cost of your move. There's no need in paying to move something that you are just going to throw out on the other end.

Saves you time packing and unpacking. Although initially compiling an inventory list can be tedious, it will actually save you time in the long run and make your moving process more efficient. You can plan and organize which things to pack together, make sure that you're not overpacking any boxes, and record each boxes contents so you know which boxes to open first when unpacking.

Protecting your belongings during the move. An inventory list is helpful for you and your movers to track all your belongings and check their condition when they have arrived at your new place. Most of all your inventory list will provide you with the valuations of each item so if you do need to file an insurance claim you already have all the information you need.

Things to include in a moving inventory list:

• A good moving inventory list should include the following information:
• A description of each item including its current condition
• Make, model and serial number (if relevant)
• Purchase date and the cost at the time of purchase
• Current estimated value of the item
• Quantity, if you have multiples of the same item (for example, chairs and books)
• Receipt and warranty paperwork
• The label of the box in which the item is packed
• The room where the item is located at the old location
• The room where the item needs to be moved to at the new location

It's likely that you don't still have receipts for all of your possesions. For basic items, such as kitchenware and clothing, you could provide a count of how many. It can be very useful to take pictures of your belongings, specifically things of higher value. This is also a great way to prove the condition of your items before the move.

Making an inventory list

1. Organize your list by room or category

Your list can be simply created by using a pen and paper or a spreadsheet on a laptop. The most important thing is to clearly organize your list in whichever way makes the most sense for you.

There are many way to catalog your items so just choose the route that's easiest for you. The most common way is to organize your list by room or category. For example, you can list kitchenware on on page and furniture items on another. You could also create a page for each room in your house and include the items contained there.

Once you have decided on how you want to structure your inventory list, create a table and add a column for each of the variables that you will need to capture for each item, such as a description of the item, estimated value, and quantity.

2. Walk through each room, one-by-one

Start by picking a room and make a list of everything that's in it. Be sure in include all the items - check in drawers and closets, and even include small miscellaneous items that may be in plain sight. Once you've completed with that room, go onto the next.

3. Take photographs or video record your items

Although this is optional, it is recommended that you take photos or video recordings of your belongings and their condition in each room. This will also help your movers get a good idea of the size of your items to be able to determine the most accurate pricing for you. Make sure you organize the photos or videos in files that are easily recognizable and you know what they are (ex. diningroom - table).

All of these things will help you have a sucessful and stress-free move. Staying organized and knowing your exact inventory will help both you and your moving team tremendously. This way you know exactly what to expect throughout the whole process.

Still a little unsure of where to start? Just call us at Express Moving and we will be happy to get you started on your moving journey!