With so much commotion and chaos during a move, it can be easy to forget half of the things you own, even in a small apartment. Taking inventory of your stuff is a smart and simple way to ensure that everything you own makes it to your new location, even if the movers take inventory for you. If you’re unsure about how to inventory your items during a move, here are some tips to guide you.
When to Make Your Inventory
Most moves typically include an initial stage of decluttering. Make sure to wait until after you’ve dejunked and eliminated any excess items that you won’t be taking with you.
Why Is an Inventory Necessary?
Though it may seem like a lot of work, making an inventory is as simple as snapping photos and making a list of your belongings. Aside from helping you keep track of what you own, this will also be handy – and in some cases necessary – when you’re filing a claim for your homeowner’s insurance if something gets damaged, taking renter’s insurance or filing a police report if something gets stolen. So it’s well worth the effort.
Here’s How to Make an Inventory of your Items During a Move:
Outline Three Columns
Whether you’re using plain old paper or a spreadsheet, make three columns, designating one for the Item’s Name, one for the Item’s Condition, and the third for Estimated Value.
Start With One Room at a Time
It’s best to begin in one room at a time to keep it easy. Choose one area to start and move in a clockwise direction, taking note of every single item you have while paying close attention to anything that’s of high value. But also include smaller items and knick-knacks. The more detail, the better. When listing them, use point form to describe the condition and estimated value in their designated columns.
Snap Photos
Having a photo inventory can help make everything easier when you can visually refer to your inventory. So keep your phone or camera beside you and snap photos as you go along. If possible, consider printing them out to attach and match them with the items. You could also take a video of each room to save time and effort. Just make sure to save the videos to a separate hard drive or USB for safe keeping.
When you’re looking for a reputable moving company in Ottawa, we have you covered at Ottawa Moving Logistics. Contact us today to learn more about our moving services and how we can help you, even when you’re down to the wire.
