Preparing To Move? 2 Tips For A Successful Inventory Discussion

After you book a team of professional movers, you might kick back, relax, and wait for your moving day. However, before movers can get started, they need to have an accurate idea of what they will moving, which is why most companies perform an inventory of your belongings before the big day. Here are two tips for a successful inventory discussion, and how it will help you to streamline your move:

1: Don't Overlook Storage Spaces

You might assume that a team of giant, burly individuals will have no problem packing up your home, but most moving teams are relatively small. Believe it or not, 47.8% of moving companies in the United States consist of fewer than 5 people, which is why you should try your hardest to give your movers an accurate idea of your inventory. If you forget about storage spaces, your moving team might not send enough people, which can make your move take a lot longer. Here are four storage areas that can be easy to overlook:

Attics: That basement might be easy to remember, but don't forget about that attic. When you inspect your attic, use a flashlight so that you can see all of those dark nooks and crannies.
Crawlspaces: Some homeowners use crawlspaces to store plastic totes, building materials, and even bags of extra clothes. As you inspect your crawlspace, try to estimate the square footage of the area so that movers know what to expect. Also, make mental notes about entrance sizes and potential hazards like wiring, so that movers know what to avoid.
Storage Sheds: Don't forget about outdoor storage sheds that house seasonal landscaping equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, and wheelbarrows. Outdoors equipment can be bulky and heavy, which is why movers need to know about it.
Garages: When you discuss your garage, don't forget to mention items hanging from the ceiling or stashed inside of cabinets.

As you discuss your inventory with a company representative, mention stored items that are large, awkwardly shaped, or delicate. If you don't remember an item's condition, take a few minutes to handle it in real life. It might take a little more time, but being able to give movers a realistic idea of what they will encounter might help your moving team to send the right equipment to get the job done.

2: Report High-Value Items

That antique painting might seem like just another living room decoration, but if it is valuable, you might need to report it during your inventory discussion. While some movers consider any item worth more than $1000 a high-value piece, some companies calculate value based on its weight. For example, if a piece is worth more than $100 per pound, a moving company might classify it as a valuable item.

Before you talk about your home inventory with your moving company, try to identify items that might be valuable. Ask your moving company how they handle these items. To limit liability, some moving teams fill out paperwork regarding high-value items. For example, your team might make notes about the item's condition, who will be physically moving the piece, and where they plan to keep it in the truck. After the item is moved, your moving team might complete additional paperwork to show that it was delivered in the same condition it was in before the move started.

If you have several high-value items, consider investing in an extra insurance policy. Although most people assume that their items are covered under the umbrella of their homeowner's insurance policy, most policies only cover about 10% of the overall value of transported goods. However, since the average cost of moving insurance is only about 1.5% of the total value of your things, it might be worth the money. For example, if you figure that your things are worth $50,000, a moving insurance policy that covers all of your things might only cost $750.

By preparing for your inventory discussion, you can get more accurate moving quotes, and you might be able to make your moving day a little easier.

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