The first lime my wife and I moved, we had to put most of our belongings in storage until our new house was completed. When we finally received the rest of our furniture and boxes six months later, two or three of the boxes were missing. I had a hard time remembering what was in those boxes since I packed them myself and did not keep a record of what I packed. This was before I had completed an inventory list of our household items. When it came time to complete the claim form documenting what was missing, I was at a loss. It took me a few months and a lot of aggravation to determine what was in those missing boxes before I could submit my claim for reimbursement.

An inventory list is a useful tool in this type of situation or in the event of a household emergency such as theft or lire. If high-value inventory items are lost, appraisal documents for these items must be provided to the moving company or reimbursement will be denied. This lesson that thought me was to be prepared for the worst-case scenario when moving.

How do you prepare an inventory list? Once you’ve organized your paperwork and household, record the contents of your house, room by room. (Quicken Deluxe 2000 has a home inventory software program to track your possessions by room location. Save the information on a CD and keep it in a fireproof safe.) Assign an appropriate value tor each item and you will have a permanent record of the value of your personal assets. Take photographs or videotape your belongings to use as documentation for insurance purposes. Keep sales receipts for expensive purchases for insurance purposes also.

Your inventory should include these categories of household items:

– Furniture: indoor and outdoor

– Lamps

– Area rugs

– Window coverings

– Home electronics: stereo equipment, TV, VCR, DVD/video game player, and clocks

– Computer hardware: monitor, CPU, keyboard, printer, hard drive, printer, scanner, etc…

– Entertainment supplies: CDs, DVDs, tapes, home videos, video games, and camera

– Computer software: programs and games

– Clothing and shoes

– Linens: towels, sheets, comforters, blankets, tablecloths, cloth napkins, etc.

– Appliances: large and small

– China and dishes

– Pots and pans

– Kitchen utensils, silver, and flatware

– Glassware and crystal stemware

– Collectibles: antiques, artwork, sculptures, wine, coins, etc.

– Specialty items: piano, musical instruments, pool table, Ping-Pong table, grandfather clock, aquarium, telephone and answering machine, etc.

– Books and encyclopedias

– Memorabilia: photo albums, stamps, souvenirs, etc.

– Professional items: photographic equipment, telescope, binoculars, and video camera

– Furs, jewelry, and accessories

– Toys and play equipment

– Sports and recreational equipment: bicycles, golf clubs, tennis rackets, skies, etc.

– Hand and power tools

– Lawn, garden, and camping equipment: mower, snow blower, barbecue grill, tent, etc.

– Automobiles, boats, Jet Skis, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, etc.

The goal is to make your long distance moving as smooth as possible where you don’t have to worry if your valuable belongings will arrive or not.

Author Bio: Georgiy Kharchenko, owner of FreePackingMoving.com – moving company, Flat Rate, Free Packing moving. At FreePackingMoving.com we offer local and out of state, interstate – moving: Annapolis Moving, Bethesda Movers, Potomac Mover – call 1-800-610-5358 for Free Moving Quote

Category: Home Management
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