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Preparing a Household Inventory List Prior to Moving

7 December, 2010 For any type of moving, packing and relocation, it is very essential to have a complete inventory list so as to make the relocation process safe and easy. Inventory preparation is one of the prior steps to be taken in the process of relocation. Whenever any movers and packers company is hired for a long distance moving, it is a law that there is an inventory list, which include all the items that have to be loaded on the truck, including information of the condition of all items to be moved. For household inventory and packing list, the following should be taken into consideration:

Household Inventory

You should have the copies of important documents like wills, insurance policies, birth certificates, marriage certificates, registration certificates of vehicles, household property, etc. You need to have both the originals and photo copies of these important documents but keep the originals and photo copies separate. While you keep the originals with you while moving, the duplicate copies can move with the rest of your household items.
Use a video camera to record your belongings. Or else you can use a digital camera and take photographs of the items to be moved. For both the options, create an audio diary with it or add notes to the still photos about the product like when it was purchased, its price and let the insurance agency determine its value. If you are using a video camera, then it is better to shoot by asking someone to hold items, open drawers and doors to make sure you get a complete record.
If you don't have a camera, you can still produce a written record. Keep a note of all the items on a simple notepad or computer program or you can also use the already existing list, obtained from your insurance company. Here also, note when the item was purchased and how much you paid for it. You can also give serial numbers to your objects, just in case the item is lost or goes missing.
It is to be noted that you cannot ignore a single piece. Keep a note or photograph of all the items from your dresses to kitchen pieces to decorative articles to garage tools, especially if there is a value attached. This will also help the packers and movers company, if some of your items go missing.
After you have finished your documentation, make duplicate copies of the list, photographs or video tape. While you keep the original copy, keep copies with a friend or relative. So even if you lose the original, you have another copy with you.
Lastly, use your inventory list for the packing moving company to get a more precise estimate of what your move will cost. In addition, the inventory list will also help you to determine if you need additional moving insurance, in addition to what is offered by your home insurance or movers.