11 November 2014

First, organize all the things to keep in mind when creating the inventory sheet. These things are usually only a couple or a few, but they are the main things to put high on the agenda. It comes to make decision whether you will do the packing or the inventory by yourself or you will let the professional packing teams to do that. Or else, do some partial packing and let the teams to pack the heavy and fragile boxes. Doing so, the moving company can be liable for any possible damages of the items. In all cases, a small inventory spreadsheet is the most useful item to keep in the pocket when moving along. Other factors to consider range from the size of the items to their shapes, volume, free spaces, etc. For small removals - use small card boxes or even carrier bags, which are quite cheaper. For big and heavy items like books - consider renting or buying big boxes, because the books may look small, but they become quite big and heavy when piling the entire library in one single place.Follow a strict way of organization in your inventory list. This will make the packing and loading processes quite easier, than when keeping everything in mind, even when it comes to small removals like a dozen small boxes or so. The alphabetical order of the items is not recommended since it`s easier and more practical to put the heavy items in the moving van first. So, sort the objects by size and weight. Begin with the heaviest and the biggest, and put the shoes downwards. Another type of organizing the inventory sheet is by rooms. Make separate columns for each room in the old house and include all the items in a downward order by size. Another common way of organizing the checklist is on the greatest value basis - put the priceless items or the most expensive ones on the top. Another separate column for the condition of each item is always useful too, especially for big removals, which require some special cares and safety tips.For instance, use photographic materials to prove the condition of the items before the move. Take photos of the most expensive or the special objects and apply them in the "Condition" column, or simply create folders on your PC named with the rooms and with a few photos, which respond to the exact items in the room, but in a higher definition.Choose the right visual layout of the inventory sheet and get used to it, because this will ensure an easy orientation when dealing with the real thing at the moving day. There are numerous types of inventory spreadsheets and the easiest way to find your favorite one, and for free, is from internet. There are even online inventory programs that can help you to follow online the organization and the content of the inventory in real time. When choosing an already created inventory sheet, try to find one with different colors that will provide an easier visual orientation. Also, use visual markings like abbreviations or figures. Number each box and write that number in a small column right next to the name of the item in the checklist. Continue with special labels on the different boxes, which also respond to small labels or sticky notes on the moving checklist. Some important labels include "Fragile" or "Heavy", but it`s also recommended to use notes like "Danger for leaking when upside down" or "Pets breathing air", or "Put this side on top", or so. These yet simple notes can definitely help you to recall the content of the box.