How to Make a Moving Inventory List

A moving inventory list is an essential tool for a successful and stress-free relocation. This list does more than just guide you on what to pack. It minimizes the risk of losing anything and helps you stay on track. Additionally, since you know the content of each box, unpacking also becomes easier.

The best approach to creating a moving inventory list is to categorize each item room by room and assign them a box number. A box number aids you in tracking the items in each box since you can easily refer to your list if you’re looking for something. Also, take note of relevant details such as the brand name, model, and serial number of all items being packed. These details help you keep tabs on your high-value belongings, which can be helpful if something gets lost or damaged. This approach simplifies your packing process and makes it much more manageable.

When combined with the convenient option of renting moving boxes, making a moving inventory list can further contribute to a hassle-free move. Stack Moves offers sturdy moving bins for rent that provide a straightforward solution for packing. Get in touch to learn more about how our services can make your moving experience much smoother.

In this post, we will cover the necessary steps to create a detailed inventory checklist that guarantees a smooth moving process. We will also share some tips on how to keep your inventory list updated so that it always reflects what is actually being moved.

How to Make a Moving Inventory Checklist

Creating an inventory moving list is vital in ensuring your move goes smoothly. Your list helps you stay organized and keep track of all your items, reducing your risk of losing anything during your move. In essence, it acts as a guide for your packing and unpacking since it paints a clear picture of where each item is at every point in time.

To make one, start by categorizing our items room by room and assigning them to labeled/numbered boxes. Also, remember to document key details such as brand names and serial numbers for your valuable possessions. With these basics covered, here’s our full breakdown of the process to guide you through making your own checklist.

Start Early and Plan Your Approach

Creating a moving inventory checklist ahead of time will help you avoid any last-minute stress. It gives you ample time to go through all your belongings and account for everything you intend to move. At this stage, think about what medium you would be using for your list. Do you plan to use a physical list or a spreadsheet? Is using an inventory moving app something you’d be open to? Now’s the best time to get stuff like this figured out. If you do plan to go with a moving app, try using popular ones like MoveAdvisor and Sortly to keep track of your items.

Categorize Items Room-by-Room

Preparing for a move by targeting each room makes the process more manageable. For starters, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed if you follow this approach. It’s also a surefire way to avoid missing any items. To implement this method, select any room and finish it before moving to the next room. For each room, create a subcategory like furniture, electronic devices, or kitchenware. Going into details like this will help you keep track of each item and streamline your unpacking later on.

Document Every Item

When listing items, you should try to add as many details as possible. Include key information like the name, quantity, and condition of your items. For items like books, DVDs, or kitchen utensils, it may be more efficient to group them rather than list them individually. This is because listing each one might be time-consuming without adding much value. After grouping these items together, also note the total number in each group, for example, 50 books or 20 kitchen utensils. By grouping these items together, you can still account for them without directing much of your time and energy where it isn’t beneficial.

For your more valuable items, add information such as the purchase date, serial number, and estimated value; if the receipt is still available, keep it handy. We even suggest taking pictures and videos of such items because they can be helpful with speeding up any insurance claims made in the event of damage or loss.

Label and Number Your Boxes

In our guide on how to label boxes for moving, we explained how labeling can make your unpacking much more efficient. Properly labeled boxes make it faster and easier to determine what is in each box and where it should go.

To label your boxes correctly, use clear and descriptive labels that list out the items in the box and mention what room they should go to. It’s also a good idea to number each box and ensure that the box numbers match what is on your list. It becomes easier to find an item by checking your list for its box number, which saves you time and effort when unpacking. You could also try color coding your boxes. These colors can instantly tell you where each box should go when unloading.

Use Digital Tools to Backup Your List

While there’s nothing wrong with using a pen and paper list, you should also consider keeping a digital list. A cloud-based list makes it possible to access it at any place and time, even if the physical one gets lost. Tools like Google Sheets, Evernote, and Sortly are prime examples of where you can store your list. Create a backup of your list and share it with someone you trust to avoid losing the information and reconstructing the list if something goes wrong.

Cross-Check During Packing and Unpacking

The packing and unpacking stage is the best time to confirm that everything on your list made it from your old home to your new space. Cross-checking what’s been packed and unpacked is a great way to make sure that nothing is lost or damaged. The best way to do this is to create a simple checklist that you can mark when packing and unpacking. Doing this guarantees that every item is accounted for during the entire move.

Why You Need a Detailed Moving Inventory List

The first major reason for you to create an inventory list is that it helps you estimate your moving cost. When it comes to shipping anything, the biggest contributing factor to the cost is the weight of the item(s). Having a detailed description of what you plan to move gives you a good idea of how much you’d likely spend on moving it.

Another reason to have a moving inventory list is that it helps you keep track of your items. A well-structured inventory list will help you keep track of what is being moved and make it easy for you to notice anything that didn’t make it to your new location. For such items, the information documented in your list can be useful to the moving company in helping you look for and recover these items.

In addition to tracking and cost estimation, a moving list can be super helpful when processing insurance claims. If any of your items get lost or damaged during transit, your record can provide necessary information such as the brand, model, and any other thing requested by the insurance company. This can help the insurance company process your claim much faster, and it also increases your chances of getting a favorable result.

And lastly, a detailed inventory list can streamline your unpacking process. Your clear overview of what is in each box allows you to skip the hassle of rummaging through random boxes to look for specific items. This makes it possible for you to unpack based on priority.

What Should Be Included in a Home Inventory Checklist?

A well-structured list for moving out ensures you don’t overlook anything and makes your packing process more seamless. Start by breaking down your list room by room, focusing on rooms that usually have a lot of items, like your kitchen, bedroom, and living room.

Next, take note of the quantity and current condition of each item, especially for the ones that are expensive or fragile. Another thing to add to your list is the brand name and serial number of each item. This information is not only useful for processing insurance claims, but also for product warranties. A final thing to note would be any special instructions to be aware of when handling certain items, such as breakable objects or disassembled furniture.

Taking all these into consideration, a single item on your list might look something like:

TV (1)

• Condition: Excellent condition, no visible scratches
• Brand: Samsung
• Model: 123457
• Special Instructions: Keep upright during transport

Tips for Keeping Moving Inventory List Updated

It’s important to keep your inventory list updated because your belongings can change throughout the moving process. If you don’t update your list to reflect these changes, you could end up either overestimating how much you’re moving or losing track of valuable items. An organized moving inventory list gives you a clear overview of what is actually being transported to avoid confusion when it’s time to unpack.

The first tip for keeping your list updated is to revisit it regularly. The best time to revisit your inventory list is after key moments in the moving process, such as when you declutter or buy new items. You may also find it helpful to adjust your list as you pack. During the packing process, you’ll discover items that you no longer need or things that you would want to add. Whatever the case is, adjusting your list at this time will help you exclude irrelevant information, making it easier to track what would be going to your new home.

Keep in mind that this process doesn’t end after you’ve arrived at your new home. After relocating your items, continue updating your list by checking off items as you unpack. By checking off each item, you can confirm that everything has been accounted for and that your belongings were successfully transported.

Executing Your Inventory List with the Right Moving Boxes

The type of moving box you use for your move has a direct impact on how well you can keep track of your possessions. The right box can simplify your packing, protect your items, and make the unpacking process more efficient. Moving boxes come in various forms, such as cardboard boxes, plastic bins, and specialty boxes.

Cardboard boxes are commonly used based on their availability and affordability, but they can tear easily or become damaged, especially when exposed to moisture. They often need extra reinforcement, which can lengthen the packing process. In contrast, plastic bins are designed to be sturdy and water-resistant. Unlike cardboard boxes, which may be useful for a single move, plastic bins are reusable and can withstand multiple relocations.

For more specific needs like packing artwork or your mattress, specialty boxes are a great option. Examples of specialty boxes are wardrobe boxes, dishpack boxes, and mirror boxes. These boxes are designed to give extra protection to items that require special care, ensuring they remain secure in your moving truck throughout transit.

When trying to choose between moving boxes vs plastic bins, it helps to consider factors such as durability, cost, and reusability. By integrating the right moving boxes into your packing strategy, you can enhance the effectiveness of your inventory list.

Want to Rent Moving Boxes?

A well-structured inventory list streamlines your packing and reduces the likelihood of lost or damaged items. Preparing your list weeks in advance can help you stay organized enough to avoid losing anything on moving day.

To create a comprehensive list, start by breaking down your list into rooms. Be sure to include important details like the item’s condition and special handling instructions. Go the extra mile to video or take photos of valuable items, and remember that it’s more efficient to group smaller items like DVDs together.

Renting moving bins can significantly reduce your stress during this hectic period. Stack Moves rental service includes delivery and pick up of the bins to ease your stress and help you focus more on actually packing. If you’re ready to simplify your move, contact us to learn about how our rental options can assist you today.