Open a Google document; in it, you will find a professional template for an inventory list and an example of how to fill it out correctly. The template is designed in such a way that it contains all the information necessary for calculating estimates and will be understandable to a specialist from any moving company.
⚠️ Important to read
Compiling an inventory list is a highly critical and responsible phase. Moving companies base their quotes on this document. Even if you pay for the move not by weight and cubic feet but by hours, this information is necessary to estimate the number of movers and trucks needed to complete the job and whether any additional equipment is required.
Moving companies use the information from a particular document to roughly estimate how much the move will cost. They figure out how many movers and trucks are needed, what extra gear they must bring, the route to take, etc. All of this is based on the information you provide them. The more accurate and complete your information, the more precise it can be in estimating your initial cost.
If fewer movers arrive than needed, it will take them more time to pack and load all your belongings, and this is the hours that you will be paying for.
If you did not specify that you have a large safe, additional time will be needed to bring the necessary equipment or additional people, which will be at your expense.
If you have extra items you did not list, they will not fit in the truck, and you will need to figure out what to do. Ordering a second truck on the same day will be more expensive and usually doubles the amount of your expenses.
Typically, the contract covers all these situations, and you agree that the moving company is only responsible for items included in the inventory list. Of course, a reputable moving company will not abandon your items and will always offer you options: additional personnel, trucks, and equipment. However, the prices on a moving day will be significantly higher.
From a legal standpoint, this is not deception or a scam on the part of the movers. Yes, it can happen due to the oversight of the company manager, but according to the contract, the financial responsibility lies with the client.
Therefore, it is not advisable to trust the compilation of the inventory list to an employee of the moving company. They can help you create it based on photographs or a video call, but you should always conduct the final check and make the necessary corrections.
By doing this, you eliminate the situation where the company will bill you for additional items that are not on the inventory list. This could save you thousands of dollars.
FAQ
Creating an inventory list when moving helps you to stay organized, keep track of all your belongings, estimate the cost of moving, and make the process of unpacking easier. Additionally, it can be used as a record for insurance purposes in case of loss or damage.
It’s a good idea to start creating your moving inventory list as soon as you know you’re moving. This will give you ample time to record all items and organize them properly, making the moving process less stressful.
You can categorize items based on rooms such as kitchen, living room, or bedrooms. Alternatively, you can classify them according to their type, such as furniture, electronics, or appliances.
While not mandatory, it’s a good idea to create a separate section or list for extra heavy and fragile items. This will ensure that special attention is given to these items during packing, loading, and unloading to prevent damage.