The Basics of Learning How to Inventory for Moving and Storage
Whether you’re moving directly into your new home or temporarily using a storage unit to store everything you own, learning how to inventory for moving and storage is a good idea. Not only does this help you keep track of your stuff, but it also makes unpacking easier because you’ll know what goes where.
Why a Moving Inventory is Important When Relocating?
Even if you’re hiring a moving company or have decided to keep everything in self-storage for some time having a moving storage inventory of everything is a great idea. Most moving companies will caution clients when moving items, and if you’re using a self-storage facility, they will have various security features like alarms, video surveillance, and gated access. However, accidents are still known to happen, and even the best security system isn’t a 100% guarantee that everything will remain Safe & Secure. This is why a moving inventory is very important and can save you money in the long run.
Writing a Moving Storage Inventory: How To!
When you have a record of everything that is being stored or moved, it helps to keep things protected. If any of these items get stolen or damaged the itemized list should help with filing an insurance claim. So, you can make up for the loss much faster.
When to Inventory the Home?
As soon as you’ve decided to move, it is important to do a moving inventory on items throughout your home so that you’re not overwhelmed at the last minute. Being rushed is when mistakes happen, and you don’t want to make a mistake here.
If you’re packing your own stuff, then start with things you don’t use regularly and make a list of them as you proceed. Things that you use often can be packed a day before you leave. However, if you’re hiring movers, make sure that they inventory everything, i.e. every room before you move or get busy learning how to inventory for moving and storage.
She’s happy because she has a moving inventory.
How to Inventory for moving and storage?
Label all the Boxes
You will want to write or attach labels to all the storage containers or boxes. Boxes can be labeled by items and room.
- Labeling by Item: You should label storage containers and boxes for each item when you have many similar types in them. For instance, if you have many photo albums in one box, it can be labeled “Photo Albums,” so things are kept together. That way it is easier to find all the albums when you’re unpacking.
- Labeling By Room: For instance, you have many different kitchen utensils and appliances in a single box. Categorizing them can be hard. The more efficient way would be to label them by room. So, when moving the boxes around, you know where each one should go.
Keep a Record
Once everything is packed and labeled, you then need to have an itemized record of everything that’s inside of the boxes. So, the more detailed your list is the better things will be.
If you’re anticipating that you will need to reach for something inside the box before unpacking, then tape a complete list to the outside of the box and don’t put it inside. If anything, it will save you from having to rummage through each box to find what you’re looking for.
Maintain Electronic Records for Moving Storage Inventory
Electronic records are easier to access, edit, and share, plus it beats writing everything by hand. You can use any number of smartphone apps which will make your life easier. Some apps even have features which include pictures and video clips for every documented item.
Below are a couple of moving apps and inventory apps on the Apple app store, which you’ll find useful:
- Sortly: Using Sortly you can take photos and then organize items as well as track things like product parts and serial numbers. Everything can be exported to a PDF, and you can use QR codes to track boxes and each item. https://www.sortly.com/
- Moving Van: The app costs $1.99, but with it, you have the ability to track every box and each item packed within it. So, if you need to find an item, all you do is search via the app for that item, and you’ll find the box it is in. All data can easily be exported to a PDF file or can be emailed for an insurance claim. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/moving-van/id357418069
- TASK RABBIT: Using this app is free, and with it, you can catalog items as you pack them, then track the value of the items and even save photos which are useful for insurance claims. It also allows you to create labels, bar codes, etc. which can be printed. Get your chores done with TaskRabbit on iOS and Android.
Duplicate the Moving Inventory Sheets
When moving things are easily misplaced. So you always want to have an extra paper copy which is kept in a safe place, in addition to an existing digital copy in case you need to reprint the inventory.
Using an moving storage inventory may not seem like it is worth all that work when packing, but it helps you save time and even money when it comes to sorting out your belongings. Using something like an app or spreadsheet is the best way to keep things organized and prepared in the event, you need to file an insurance claim.
