Why Do You Need a Home Inventory Before Moving?

We all tend to accumulate lots of stuff as we live in our homes through the years. It’s inevitable really: sort of like a testament to the experiences we have had throughout life. Some of it’s important and you never want to let it go; other stuff is just junk that we keep hanging onto for reasons unknown to us; still other stuff isn’t glamorous but is necessary for daily living.

When you move from one house to another, all of this comes into focus and we are faced with some important decisions. What to take with us? What to leave behind? How do you even know what you have? Here’s where a home inventory can come in very handy.

Defining a Home Inventory

An inventory for your home is a complete, detailed list of everything you own. This includes anything from furniture, electronics and linens, to jewelry, books and clothing. When you create a breakdown of the things you own, you can easily refer to it when moving.

This will provide an accurate listing of your belongings so you can cross check everything before and after the move. It can also help your movers provide you with a more accurate quote. This way, they can dispatch the right number of workers and trucks to help with your relocation.

In addition to helping with a move, a moving inventory can also assist with home maintenance and organizing. You don’t have to move to make an inventory. Create a list each year to account for all your possessions, which will help you become more organized and efficient. It can also help if you ever have to file a claim on your homeowners insurance.

What to Do

First, arm yourself with a pen and paper or a tablet, or even an app on your phone. Go through your house room by room, logging each item you will be taking with you.

Keep all receipts, contracts, and other documents in a folder or file. It’s also helpful to take photos of everything you own. Individual photos are great, as well as a whole-room overview shot. Focus on high value items.

Start with the large items, such as TVs, computers, office printers, electronics, entertainment systems, artwork, etc. Then trickle down to the smaller expensive things you own, such as jewelry, watches, coins, and the like.

Be sure to keep multiple copies of your home inventory in case one gets lost or destroyed. If you can, keep both digital and paper copies, with one copy stored at an outside location, such as a safety deposit box at your local bank.

Update and review your home inventory right up until your move, as you may accumulate more stuff between the time you start inventorying and Moving Day. Likewise, remove items that you have since gotten rid of because you no longer want them. Make note of whether you trashed it, recycled it, gave it away to charity or sold it.

List out all important documents as well, such as marriage and birth certificates, passports, titles, wills, social security cards, and more.

Moving from one home to another is never easy. Taking an inventory will help ease the transition, though.

Contact Pack It Up Movers

Contact us for a free moving quote to get you started on your relocation journey! Call 209-566-2331.