What’s one of the first things that cross your mind when you think of relocation to Manhattan? Mess, more mess, holy mess, chaos, cataclysm? Guess what? We know a superb way of how to avoid all the fuss. And it’s not all about hiring one of the numerous interstate movers NYC has. So where do you start? First and foremost is creating a moving inventory list, which is essential for every next step. Here are the top three reasons why you should do so followed by additional tips for a more practical move.
1. A moving inventory list facilitates cost estimation
There’s a popular saying that money makes the world go round. The same goes for moving services. Certainly, you can pay some movers to go through your home and draw up your home inventory list for moving. However, if you are moving to Manhattan, that will cost an arm and a leg. As with every agency, all additional services will accrue the expenses.
Such a list helps you know where you stand. You ought to be aware of the fact that the amount and type of possessions you are going to transfer will influence the cost. The greater the volume of your belongings is, the higher the price becomes. For that reason, making a movables checklist can give you a notion of how much you will have to pay for transporting them.
Tip 1: How to minimize expenses
If you want to save money and cut down the costs, you should definitely declutter. And the best way to do it is to separate your possessions. Organize them into four piles:
- things that will be thrown away or recycled,
- items that you should give away or donate,
- stuff that you can sell to second-hand stores, online, or at the yard/garage sale,
- belongings that will make the core of your moving inventory list when the day comes.
When you start decluttering, you will obviously find a bulk of things you haven’t used for ages. What is more, you won’t use them in the near future. Obviously, moving house like a minimalist is a true advantage. Logically speaking, why should you waste time and money on something you don’t need at all?
2. Monitor everything with a checklist
The worst nightmare about relocating is losing some of the belongings. In order to prevent it from happening, you should draw up a home inventory list for moving and plan everything carefully.
Firstly, that is useful to monitor the process of loading the stuff onto the moving trucks. When the movers come and begin the process, you can stand there and tick every item on your movables checklist that is stored in the vehicle. That way, you will know for sure what you have sent with the movers.
Secondly, when the moving truck arrives at the final destination, you will able to observe the unloading of the possessions. Your moving inventory list will show what has been sent and delivered to the new house or apartment. You can immediately compare the two columns and check if anything is missing. An early complaint against the mover increases the chance of finding missing things. That will give you an opportunity to respond in due time.
Tip 2: Insure everything on the checklist
One of the most significant preventive measures during the move is good insurance. Depending on the agency, you will have to take various steps if you want to have the right insurance for your stuff. For instance, you might have to describe your possessions in terms of value and characteristics. In addition, you can attach some receipts, maintenance slips, or warranty notes. Finally, taking photos of those items will also be beneficial.
In the case of any losses or damages, the dispute with the movers will be easier and much to your advantage. You will have every detail specified on your home inventory list for moving, and sufficient evidence that they loaded a missing item onto their truck. Furthermore, using your pictures, you will prove that the stuff wasn’t damaged before transportation.
3. Easier unpacking with a moving inventory list
When you arrive at your new place of living and pack all your moving boxes inside, you can easily lose yourself in disorder. Fortunately, the answer to the question of what can help you in such despair is not a million-dollar worth. It’s just your moving inventory list that will cheer you up. So, how exactly does it come in handy?
Needless to say, every properly compiled home inventory list for moving should contain valuable information about what is where. Thus, you will know what is inside those boxes and where to look for what you need. For example, every box with a label “kitchen” can easily be moved to the place it belongs to.
Tip 3: The secret lies in labeling
Going back to the packing stage, we have an invaluable piece of advice. Don’t be lazy, get a marker, paper, and sticky notes. Buy some practical moving boxes, pack the things, and label every item.
Besides, don’t forget to note everything down on your movables checklist to keep track of them. To illustrate, write down “cutlery” on the box and put all your forks, knives, and spoons there. After that, add some notes to the list regarding the number and specifics.
How to create a moving inventory list
Every successful relocation comes as a result of a good and comprehensive plan. Based on that, make sure your moving inventory list is well-organized. It should consist of the following details:
- categories to which the things belong
- the name of the items
- their characteristics
- the estimated values of the items
- their new locations in the new home
- any additional info
Now, get ready and don’t wait for the last minute to start preparing.
