Checking your inventory after a long distance move

During a relocation, there are often things that get misplaced or damaged. Even though nobody likes this part of the move, it’s a pretty common occurrence. Of course, if you’re moving with some of the best cross country movers, you’re probably insured and can file an insurance claim if something happens to your items. However, in order to get reimbursed for any lost or broken items, you need to go through your boxes and check if everything is in order. Don’t worry, we’re about to explain how you can do that. Checking your inventory after a long distance move is important, and here are the steps you should take to do so.

Write an inventory list when packing

Checking if all your things are in place and intact after moving is much easier to do if you do some necessary preparation before the move. One of the best things you can do is to write an inventory list while your packing. What this entails is writing down all the things you’re packing and their condition. If any of your items are damaged, it’s worth writing that down on your inventory list. This way, if you see any damage after the move, you’ll know if they are old or new and if you’re able to file an insurance claim to your residential movers.

You can write the list on a piece of paper or in your notes app on your phone – whatever you find easier. Either way, this will make checking your inventory after a long distance relocation much easier. So, take the extra few minutes to write down your belongings.

Take pictures of your belongings

Another thing we suggest doing as a precaution is documenting your items by photographing them. Whether you’re putting your things in storage units for a while or taking them with you on your long-distance move, taking pictures before packing will be very helpful.

Namely, the photos will show not only what you’ve packed, but also the condition of your possessions. It’s a nice addition to your inventory list that clearly shows the state of your things. If you find any damages after your move or your things are lost, photos can be helpful when filing the insurance claim. With photos, it will be much easier to check your inventory after a long distance move.

Pack an essentials bag

Obviously, when you’re packing there are certain items that are more important than others. This includes your personal documentation, medical and financial records, certain electronics, your wallet, jewelry, etc. When you’re checking the inventory after your long-distance move, these things are probably the first ones you want to check.

Well, to make it easier to see if everything is there after the move, it’s best to pack an essentials bag. Other than toiletries and things you need during the first few days in your new home, this bag should include all these important items. Keep the bag by your side at all times to ensure that it doesn’t go missing. Once the move is over, simply open it to double-check that everything is still there.

Label your boxes to make checking your inventory after relocating long-distance easier

Packing your things is a pretty important step during relocation, and it’s even more important to do it mindfully. One of the ways of doing that is by simply labeling your boxes. Namely, labeling your moving boxes doesn’t take long but it’s helpful for different reasons.

1. It makes it clear if boxes contain fragile items.
2. Labels let the movers know how to handle the boxes.
3. They make loading and unloading the truck easier.
4. Unpacking is easier and quicker if you label the boxes.
5. They make checking your inventory after a long distance move easier.

If you’re wondering how the labels will make it easier to check your inventory after long-distance relocation, it’s simple. First of all, you can check if all your boxes from the living room are there, for example. Do this by consulting your inventory list – how many living room boxes were there? Other than that, if you wrote a list of contents on the boxes you’ll be able to track if everything is still where you packed it. And if you’re getting packing services, ask the packers if they can label your boxes.

How to check your inventory after moving long-distance

So, now you know the ways of setting yourself up for success by properly preparing while packing. Other than those steps, we’re about to tell you how to check your inventory after a long-distance relocation and make sure everything is intact.

1. Make sure all the things on your list are present. Look through your inventory list and your inventory pictures. Is anything missing?
2. Check your items for damage. After you make sure nothing has been left behind, it’s time to check the state of your things. Once again, consult your inventory list and the photos of your belongings. Are there any new damages to your belongings?
3. Check if your things have any missing pieces. Other than scratches and damages, there’s another thing you should check. Look at your furniture, dishes, etc. and see if all their parts are in place. If there are any parts or screws missing, see if you can find them in the boxes or in the truck.

There you have it – all the ways of checking your inventory after a long distance move. As you can tell, it’s not a difficult task, but it does require some preparation before the move. But trust us, all these steps are worth your time.