Moving house can be an exciting opportunity for a new beginning. However, in this case, the destination is typically more enjoyable than the journey. From decluttering and packing to relocating your items, the process can be stressful. Fortunately, with some preparation, you can make it less so. One step to make things easier and protect yourself in the event of lost or damaged items is to create an inventory list. 

How to Create a Moving Inventory 

1. Work Room by Room

Packing and moving are only part of the process; you’ll also need to unpack and reassemble at your new location. For this reason, many people label boxes with a description of contents as well as the name of the room it is in, making it easier to determine where it will go in your new place.

When creating your inventory list, focus on one room at a time. Document everything that is in the space, taking note of important items, such as furniture, before moving to odds and ends, such as books and clothes. 

2. Choose a Recording Method 

For most people, pen and paper work just fine; however, you may want to use an electronic spreadsheet to make the process faster and the list easy to read. Taking an electronic record also makes it easy to insert photos or videos along with your record of each section.

Whatever recording method you select, ensure your list has columns to include the item description, quantity, current condition, destination, and estimated value.

3. Take Photos or Video

Visual evidence can be valuable if anything goes awry in the moving process. Walk through your home and videotape each room, taking voice notes. Or, you can take photos of places and individual items.

With valuables, primarily, ensure the pictures are clear and show any distinguishing details. Consider adding these visuals to your electronic spreadsheet.

4. Check Your List

When you’ve finished making your inventory list, have a family member or trusted friend look it over to ensure you haven’t missed anything. If possible, you can also get people to help with the inventory-taking process. Once you’ve double-checked the list, make a copy and keep one with your other valuable documents.

 

If you’re a Cincinnati-area resident preparing for a move, turn to Hercules Moving & Storage. These full-service movers take care of everything from packing to lifting and transportation. They also provide a range of short and long-term storage options in their 8,000 square-foot, climate-controlled warehouse. Call (513) 251-2593 to speak with a helpful moving professional about your upcoming plans. Or, visit the website to request an estimate.