The short answer
To make a moving inventory, go room by room before you pack: photograph and list your belongings, noting condition and value for anything fragile or expensive. Give every box a unique number, record its room and contents in a list or app, and label the number plus destination room on at least two sides and the top. Flag fragile and "open first" boxes, then check each box off as it's unloaded. This protects you if movers lose or damage something, and makes unpacking far faster.
In this checklist
Why inventory before a move? The 5-step moving inventory method Room-by-room packing checklist The box-labeling system that works Your "open first" essentials box FAQWhy inventory before a move?
- Protection. If a mover loses or damages something, a photo-backed inventory proves what you owned and its condition before transit.
- Speed. Knowing what's in each numbered box means you unpack by priority instead of opening everything to find the kettle.
- Less to move. Cataloging forces a declutter — you stop paying to transport things you don't actually want.
- Nothing left behind. A box count confirms every box made it off the truck.
The 5-step moving inventory method
- Inventory before you pack. Photograph and list belongings room by room while they're still visible. Record condition and value for fragile or high-value items.
- Number every box. Give each box a unique number and log its room and a contents summary in your list or app.
- Label two sides and the top. Write the box number and destination room so it's readable however the box is stacked.
- Flag fragile and priority boxes. Clearly mark fragile boxes and your "open first" essentials box.
- Check off on arrival. Tick each box number off as it's unloaded to confirm nothing is missing or damaged.
Room-by-room packing checklist
Work one room at a time. Tick items as you catalog and pack them.
Kitchen
- Dishes, glassware, mugs (wrap individually — fragile)
- Pots, pans, bakeware, small appliances
- Cutlery, utensils, knives (wrap blades)
- Pantry & non-perishables; discard opened/expired
Living room
- TV & electronics (photograph serial numbers & cable setup)
- Books, media, decor (decor is fragile)
- Lamps, rugs, cushions
- Furniture (note pre-existing scratches with photos)
Bedrooms
- Clothing (wardrobe boxes or vacuum bags)
- Bedding, linens, pillows
- Jewelry & valuables (carry these yourself — don't load them)
- Under-bed and closet storage
Bathroom
- Toiletries & medicines (seal liquids in bags)
- Towels (great padding for fragile boxes)
- Cleaning supplies
Garage, storage & outdoor
- Tools & power equipment (drain fuel from machinery)
- Holiday/seasonal storage
- Bikes, sports gear, garden tools
- Hazardous items (paint, chemicals — many movers won't transport these)
Skip the clipboard — use your phone
LokApp photographs your belongings, lets AI catalog them, assigns items to numbered boxes, and prints QR labels you scan to see what's inside. Free for your first 50 items.
The box-labeling system that works
Don't scrawl a contents list on the cardboard — it's slow and you'll run out of room. Instead:
- One number per box. Box 1, Box 2, Box 3… each unique.
- Number + room on two sides and the top. So it's visible however it's stacked.
- Contents live in your list/app, keyed to the box number — much faster to search than reading boxes.
- Color-code by room (a colored sticker or tape) so movers know where each box goes at a glance.
- Mark FRAGILE and THIS WAY UP on delicate boxes.
Your "open first" essentials box
Pack one clearly-labeled box (or bag) you'll want the first night, and keep it with you rather than on the truck:
- Phone chargers & a power strip
- Toiletries, medications, a towel
- A change of clothes per person
- Basic tools, scissors, box cutter
- Snacks, water, kettle/coffee
- Bedding for the first night
- Important documents (passports, lease, moving paperwork)
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a moving inventory?
Go room by room before packing. Photograph and list your belongings, note condition and value for anything fragile or expensive, then number each box and record which room it belongs to and what's inside. Check boxes off the list as they arrive.
What is the best way to label moving boxes?
Give every box a unique number, then label the number and destination room on at least two sides and the top. Keep detailed contents in your inventory list or app rather than on the box, and mark fragile and "open first" boxes clearly.
Why should I inventory before moving?
It proves what you owned and its condition if the moving company damages or loses something, makes unpacking faster because you know what's in each box, and helps you declutter before paying to move things you don't want.
What is the easiest way to track moving boxes?
Use an inventory app: photograph each box's contents, let it catalog the items, and assign them to a numbered box. Apps like LokApp can also generate QR labels you scan to see exactly what's inside without opening the box.