Steps To Create A Moving Inventory

The Importance of a Moving Inventory List for a Smooth Relocation

Moving is a tiring process that requires planning, management, and execution. The first stage of the relocation process is packing which is considered as one of the toughest parts. There is only one tool that can simplify the entire relocation process and help you keep track of your belongings- INVENTORY LIST. An inventory list is a well-curated list of items packed and loaded on the moving truck. When you hire a professional mover for your move, they will create a moving inventory where they keep track of the items. You can create a moving inventory list for your reference.

Creating a moving inventory is a wise way to manage your moving process. It will save you from missing out on any item during the move. There are many ways a moving inventory proves helpful and you can create in multiple steps.

Why is it important to create a moving inventory?

You must have thought about the importance of having a moving inventory list, so here are some reasons why you should create a moving inventory.

• It helps in estimating the moving cost more accurately
• Simplify identification and decluttering of the items to downsize the moving items
• It helps in insurance claims by managing the price and purchase details of the goods
• Assist you in keeping track of your belongings throughout the move

What should be included in a moving inventory?

If you are creating a moving inventory for your upcoming move, include the following points in it-

• Description of each item
• Current condition of the item (if possible, take pictures on your phone)
• Date of purchase
• Marked and current price of the items
• Warranty details and documents
• Label of the box
• The current room in the house and the designated room in the new house

All these points should be in your moving inventory list as they will simplify the entire move specifically for filing damage or loss complaints and insurance claims.

What are the necessary supplies for moving the inventory list?

Before you start creating a moving house inventory list, gather all the necessary supplies including-

• Moving Inventory Apps- You can find several online moving inventory apps specifically designed to track the items during the move. Some of the best moving inventory apps are MoveAdvisor, MagicPlan, and Sortly.
• Spreadsheets- A well-designed inventory list can be prepared using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. These simplify the management of moving inventory.
• Digital moving inventory lists- You can create inventory lists for your move on your mobile or tablet (only devices that are easy to carry). These are easy to edit and accessible on multiple devices. The chances of losing a digital moving inventory list are minimal.
• Paper-based moving inventory lists- This type of inventory list can be used by everyone, whether tech-savvy or not. Some people prefer to jot down important points and it will be easier with this.

How to create a moving inventory list?

Compiling a moving inventory list is a daunting task as you have to survey each item in detail. But if you follow a systematic path for creating a list, then you will be able to prepare a moving house inventory checklist without much hassle-

Categorize your rooms to prepare a list

The best way to create a systematic inventory checklist is by categorizing each room. When you go room by room, you can easily mention each item on the list without missing anything. Start putting the name of each room in your house on the inventory and add items to each room.

This will help you sort the items in the house and you can donate or sell the items that you will not use. And proper labels on the box and the list will make unpacking easy. You can guide the movers in unloading as the inventory list will describe the destination of each box.

Categorize belongings according to their function

Listing items according to their function allows easy decluttering. You can set the priority to the items while unpacking, as you have mentioned on the box label and the inventory list. All the items on the moving truck should have the following details on the moving inventory list- date of purchase, marked price, current price, and more.

These details prove worthy during the insurance claim. Since all the necessary info and relevant documents are in one place you also have images as proof for current and previous images.

Assign a unique identifier to each item

Writing the full names of each item or mentioning all the items in a box on the list is impossible. The best way to identify the items in the box is by assigning a unique identifier like a number or a combination of alphabet and number. This will help you keep track of the items in case you find them misplaced during the move.

Document essential details of items

As mentioned earlier, it is important to describe each item in the moving box. Documentation is important for each task of the moving process. If you hire a moving company near you, they will also ask you to provide detailed information about the items- name, model, make, color, date of purchase, marked price, current price, and some specific features (if any).

When you mention all these details, you have to add the current value of each item. This estimated value can help you evaluate the total cost of the items on the moving truck and simplify the moving insurance claim.

Check and note pre-existing damage

In case of an insurance claim, the moving company or moving insurance needs proof of damage during the move. So, each damage on the belongings before they are packed and loaded on the truck must be mentioned on the moving inventory list.

Your moving Inventory list must have several tables and columns where minute details can easily be listed.

Use descriptions like a chipped edge on the TV unit, scratches on the foot of the table, and more.

Such a description can save you time discussing the insurance claim with the provider. You can mention even a small scratch on the item or any missing component.

Take pictures of your belongings

Taking pictures of fragile items, electronic appliances, and other valuable items is the right way to keep records. These pictures will help you find the damage or loss when compared after the move. Photographs can be helpful during insurance claims as insurance companies ask for original product images and images after the move.

While taking pictures make sure that each part of the product is visible clearly and also note if there is any pre-existing damage. You can save these images by specific names that will include item names and item numbers. This will simplify searching images on the device. This will enhance the efficiency of your moving inventory list.

Update the moving inventory list throughout the relocation

Your moving inventory modifies from time to time and it needs to be updated at regular intervals. There are different stages when the list needs to be updated-

• Packing- When your moving crew is packing the belongings you must keep an eye on the progress. Monitoring the packing progress is important to keep your inventory list up-to-date. While packing the boxes assign them some numbers and update that number and belongings in each box in the inventory list. As we know, labeling moving boxes is crucial to keep belongings safe and simplify the unpacking process. It will also make it easy to identify each box and belongings if you update the details in the moving inventory list. You can efficiently keep track of your belongings.
• Loading- While loading the truck, your moving inventory needs a final check. When the crew loads the moving truck, you can verify on the moving inventory list if all the moving packages are loaded. This way your moving inventory list is updated while loading.
• Unloading- During unloading, update your inventory list by checking the unloaded boxes. This will help you identify if any box is damaged or missing. You can take pictures of any damaged moving boxes after unloading.
• Unpacking- The last stage of the moving process where you can update your moving inventory list. Here, you will mention any damage or even a small scratch. Take images of the damaged or broken images at the time of unpacking to ensure a seamless insurance claim. Your inventory list can help in verifying the original state of the item in the box. Finally, update your moving inventory list with confirmation of unloaded items and any loss or damage.

Conclusion

A moving inventory is a crucial moving tool, that simplifies the moving process in many ways. With our guide for preparing a moving inventory list, you can create a moving house inventory list as your relocation process proceeds. A well-planned moving inventory list is an essential tool that smoothens the entire move. Your transition will be more efficient in many ways. Van Lines Move can help you find solutionsto make your move easy, efficient, and relaxing. Stay connected with our moving experts for moving assistance.