Complete Moving Inventory Checklist (2026): Protect Your Belongings

Moving is stressful enough without worrying about damaged or lost belongings. Yet every year, thousands of people discover—too late—that they can’t prove what they owned or what condition it was in before the movers arrived.

This guide gives you a complete moving inventory checklist, week by week, so you’re protected no matter what happens.

Why You Need a Moving Inventory

Moving companies lose or damage items more often than you’d think. According to industry data:

• 1 in 4 moves involves some form of damage or loss
• Average damage claims range from $1,000 to $5,000
• Without documentation, claims are often denied or reduced by 70%

A proper inventory protects you in three ways:

1. Proves ownership — Evidence you actually owned the items
2. Documents condition — Shows items weren’t damaged before the move
3. Establishes value — Supports your claim for proper compensation

The 8-Week Moving Timeline

Weeks 8-6: Start Your Inventory

Goal: Document high-value items and gather important records

• Download a home inventory app like Dib
• Photograph all electronics with serial numbers visible
• Document furniture condition (scratches, wear, etc.)
• Gather receipts and warranties for expensive items
• Create a folder for appliance manuals and documentation

Pro tip: AI-powered apps can identify items from photos and estimate values automatically, saving you hours of manual entry.

Weeks 5-4: Room-by-Room Documentation

Goal: Complete inventory of every room

Work through your home systematically:

Living Room:

• TVs, speakers, gaming consoles
• Furniture (sofas, tables, shelving)
• Decor items, art, mirrors
• Rugs and curtains

Bedrooms:

• Beds and mattresses
• Dressers and nightstands
• Clothing (estimate by category)
• Personal electronics

Kitchen:

• Appliances (large and small)
• Cookware and dishes
• Specialty items (stand mixers, espresso machines)

Bathrooms:

• Any valuable fixtures
• Electronics (scales, grooming tools)

Garage/Storage:

• Power tools
• Sporting equipment
• Holiday decorations
• Outdoor furniture

Weeks 3-2: Final Documentation

Goal: Capture condition details and create backup

• Take video walkthroughs of each room
• Photograph any existing damage on furniture
• Note serial numbers on appliances
• Export your inventory to PDF as backup
• Share inventory access with a family member

Week 1: Pre-Move Prep

Goal: Final inventory review and mover coordination

• Review inventory for completeness
• Mark items movers should NOT touch
• Create a “high-value items” list for personal transport
• Take timestamped photos of everything on moving day morning
• Keep your inventory app accessible on your phone

What to Document (Complete Checklist)

High-Priority Items (Document First)

These items are most likely to be damaged or disputed:

Category	What to Capture
Electronics	Serial numbers, photos of screens (no cracks), cables included
Furniture	Multiple angles, close-ups of any existing wear
Appliances	Model numbers, condition of surfaces, working status
Art/Collectibles	Detailed photos, any certificates of authenticity
Jewelry	Individual photos, appraisals if available

Don’t Forget These

Items people commonly miss:

• Inside closets — Shoes, bags, seasonal items
• Garage corners — Tools, sports equipment, camping gear
• Attic/basement — Holiday items, keepsakes, storage boxes
• Outdoor spaces — Patio furniture, grills, garden tools
• Kids’ rooms — Toys, games, electronics

Box-by-Box Tracking Method

For maximum protection, track what goes in each box:

1. Number every box (1, 2, 3…)
2. List contents with photos
3. Note the destination room
4. Mark fragile items
5. Check off delivery when boxes arrive

This makes it easy to identify exactly what’s missing if a box doesn’t arrive.

Real Story: “$5K in Damages, No Proof”

“Our movers scratched our hardwood dining table and cracked the TV screen. When I filed a claim, they said the damage was pre-existing. I had no photos from before the move. They offered $200 for what was easily $5,000 in damage. I had nothing to fight back with.”

— Sarah M., Denver

This happens constantly. Don’t let it happen to you.

How Dib Makes Moving Inventory Effortless

Traditional inventory methods are tedious:

• Spreadsheets require manual entry of every item
• Paper lists get lost or damaged
• Photos alone don’t organize or estimate values

Dib solves this with AI:

• Point and snap — AI identifies items automatically
• Instant values — Get replacement cost estimates
• Cloud backup — Access from anywhere, even if your phone is lost
• Shareable — Send inventory to insurance or family
• One-click export — Generate PDF reports for claims

What takes a weekend manually takes a few hours with AI assistance.

Moving Day Checklist

On the actual moving day:

Before movers arrive:

• Final walkthrough with timestamped video
• Screenshot your complete inventory
• Charge your phone (you’ll be taking photos)
• Keep your high-value items list handy

During the move:

• Watch movers handle fragile items
• Photograph any rough handling
• Note box numbers as they’re loaded
• Don’t sign anything until you’ve inspected

At the new location:

• Check box count matches your list
• Open and inspect boxes within 24 hours
• Document any damage immediately with photos
• File claims within the mover’s deadline (usually 9 months)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a moving inventory take?

With a traditional spreadsheet, expect 6-10 hours for a typical home. With an AI-powered app like Dib, most people finish in 2-3 hours.

Should I inventory everything or just valuable items?

For moving protection, focus on items worth $50+ and anything with sentimental value. You don’t need to document every spoon, but do document the expensive knife set.

What if movers damage something after I’ve documented it?

This is exactly why documentation matters. Show them your timestamped photos from before the move. Most claims are resolved quickly when you have clear evidence.

Can I use my phone’s photo roll instead of an app?

You can, but it’s harder to organize, search, and create reports. A dedicated app keeps everything structured and accessible when you need it.

How do I share my inventory with movers?

Export a PDF summary and email it. This puts them on notice that you’ve documented everything. Some moving companies will even be more careful knowing you’re prepared.

What about items I’m putting in storage?

Create a separate inventory section for storage items. Document before packing, seal boxes with tape, and photograph them going into storage.

Next Steps

Don’t wait until the week before your move. Start now:

1. Download Dib or your preferred inventory app
2. Spend 30 minutes documenting your most valuable items
3. Schedule time to complete one room per day
4. Export and backup your inventory before moving day

A few hours of preparation now can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches later. Your future self will thank you.

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Related: How to Create a Home Inventory for Insurance Claims | Best Home Inventory Apps