Updated on September 30, 2024
Moving is never fun. Whether you have a local or long-distance move planned, you will inevitably need to pack everything you own. That can be a daunting task! Between the different stages of the moving process, it is easy to get overwhelmed or lose track of important things when packing. Creating an inventory checklist is a great way to stay organized during your 1-800-PACK-RAT move, especially on moving day.
Take a look at some of our favorite tips for creating a detailed and organized inventory list.
Tip #1: Get Started Early Packing for Your Move
As with most things, preparation can make all the difference between achieving success or facing failure. Waiting until the day before a move to pack your items is a surefire way to ensure a chaotic and stressful move. Time and preparation are the key ingredients for a smooth and successful move. This is one of the reasons why 1-800-PACK-RAT portable storage containers are so popular for moving services.
Our portable storage containers allow you to start packing your things and removing them from the home at your own pace. You get to choose your moving timeline. Whether you only need one week from start to finish or you prefer to work over the course of a month, just let us know how much time you will need to pack and unpack your unit, and our moving experts will help you create a timeline that works best for you. You can also use our space calculator tool to gauge how much stuff you will be able to fit into your portable moving unit, and if you will require more than one container for your move.
Before you can start packing, you will also need moving and packing supplies like moving boxes, mattress covers, and more. 1-800-PACK-RAT has partnered with Lowes® Home Improvement to offer these supplies and more. Check out your local Lowes location, or order your supplies online and get started!
Tip #2: Choose An Inventory Checklist Method
You can choose from several options to keep up with your checklist for moving. You can go old school and use pen and paper, or use the power of technology and find an app to keep up with everything. If you decide to keep everything on paper, be sure to take a picture of your lists. Things get lost easily in a move — which is why we need checklists!
The important thing is to use a method that works best for you. If you don't spend much time on your phone and navigating different apps is complicated, don't try to learn new things as you are getting ready for a busy time. If you enjoy creating spreadsheets, use those skills to your advantage and make an inventory spreadsheet. Either way, it is a good idea to use an inventory checklist method you are comfortable with using that works best for you and your needs.
Tip #3: Use A Strategic Approach
One of the benefits of an inventory checklist is to create organization amid chaos. So consider which approach you would like to take to ensure all your things are packed in an orderly manner. This is why starting early is essential — the extra time allows you to make strategic moves instead of running through your house in a time crunch to vacate the property.
Most people pack and inventory everything in a single room before moving on to the next one. Another popular choice is to group like items together. For instance, going from room to room and gathering all the books to be packed together or grouping all the electronics; that way, every item type has its unique space. This will also allow you to double-check and ensure everything was packed correctly.
Tip #4: Be Detailed With Your List
When you create your inventory list, use details about the items. You don't need to list every detail for every item. There is no need to know the color and style of every throw blanket or pillow case, but for your valuable items like electronics or furniture, the details could come in handy in the rare circumstance that those items are lost or damaged. Those details could help with an insurance claim if you need to file one.
Here are a few pieces of information you should document for your high-cost items:
- Serial numbers
- Make and model numbers
- Purchase date and cost
- Receipts or pictures of receipts
Keep any important documents with you at all times—don’t let these items sit in a box or other container. This can include medical records, insurance policies, credit card information, etc. You should also keep anything with sensitive financial or personal data with you at all times during the moving process.
Tip #5: Take Pictures of Your Stuff
Not everyone will want to take the time to take pictures of their items, but again, this type of documentation can be invaluable if you must file an insurance claim. You can limit your photos to sentimental items, furniture, electronics, jewelry, appliances, and any other belongings you find difficult to replace. Some people choose to make videos going through their rooms before getting packed up.
Tip #6: Label And Number Boxes
One of our favorite ways to organize your boxes is to clearly label the box's contents and assign it a number. When you look at your master list, you should be able to identify which boxes hold which items quickly. You can even note which area of the 1-800-PACK-RAT container you placed each box in. Here is an example of what that could look like:
BOX #23: (1) king-size fitted sheet, (1) king-size flat sheet, (2) standard-size pillowcases, (1) king-size comforter. Located in the left-back corner of the unit. Primary bedroom.
This makes it easier for you and especially those assisting you with unpacking (whether it is family and friends or professional labor providers) to know where exactly everything is supposed to go rather than just massing everything in the doorway or main living area.
1-800-PACK-RAT Is the Moving Company That Can Help Make Your Move Easy
These tips will help you create the perfect inventory moving checklist when you are ready to relocate.
If you are moving soon and still looking for a quality moving partner to simplify your local or long-distance move, look no further than 1-800-PACK-RAT! We bring the moving solution to your door - no more renting a large and unfamiliar traditional moving truck that you have to drive and pack yourself all in one day. Our moving containers are the perfect solution, allowing you to move at your own pace and schedule.
Here is how 1-800-PACK-RAT works: we bring a container to your home, you pack it at your pace, then we pick it up and deliver it to your new home or place it into secure storage at one of our nationwide storage facilities for as long as you need. It is that simple.
Call our team of moving experts today or go online to get started with a free quote and experience how simple 1-800-PACK-RAT can make your move!