How to Make a Moving Inventory: Free Room-by-Room Checklist
Updated: 2 days ago
If there is one thing that decides whether your moving day goes smoothly, it is your inventory. The inventory is the list of everything you plan to move. Your estimate, the size of the truck and the number of crew members are all based on it.
When the inventory is complete, the price you approve is the price you can plan around. When it is missing things, the move on moving day is bigger than the move that was quoted, and the price has to be updated. Here is how to make a moving inventory the right way, with a free room-by-room checklist.
IN THIS GUIDE A complete moving inventory is the best way to get an accurate quote. Use this room-by-room checklist before your long distance move from Chicago. |
WINTER MOVING TIP Winter is a good time to go through closets and storage. Make your inventory now and your moving quote will reflect what you really have. |
Before you start
Walk through every space, not just the main rooms. The garage, basement, attic, balcony, shed and storage unit count too.
Decide what is not coming. Mark items you will sell, donate or throw away so they do not end up on the list.
Be honest about boxes. Count the boxes you have packed and estimate the ones you still need to pack. If you are unsure, estimate high.
Take photos. Pictures of each room help your mover understand the job and help you remember what you own.
Room-by-room checklist
Living room
Sofas, sectionals and recliners
Coffee tables, end tables and TV stands
TVs and electronics
Bookcases and shelving
Rugs, lamps and artwork
Boxes for books, decorations and media
Kitchen and dining room
Dining table and chairs
Hutch, buffet or bar cabinet
Refrigerator, freezer, washer and dryer (if they are moving with you)
Small appliances
Boxes for dishes, glasses, pots, pans and pantry items (non-perishable)
Kitchens almost always need more boxes than people expect.
Bedrooms
Beds, mattresses and box springs (note the size: twin, full, queen, king)
Dressers, nightstands and mirrors
Desks and chairs
Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
Boxes for clothes, shoes and bedding
Home office
Desks, office chairs and filing cabinets
Computers, monitors and printers
Boxes for files and supplies
Bathrooms and closets
Boxes for towels, linens and toiletries
Shelving units and storage bins
The hallway closet and the linen closet
Garage, basement and outdoor spaces
Tools, workbenches and tool chests
Bicycles, sports equipment and gym equipment
Patio furniture and grills (propane tanks cannot go on the truck, even when empty)
Lawn equipment and seasonal decorations
Storage bins and shelving
Special items
Pianos, safes and pool tables
Large aquariums
Artwork, antiques and glass or marble pieces
Anything very heavy, fragile or oversized
Special items need extra planning and sometimes extra crew or equipment. Our guide to extra moving charges explains how they are handled.
Describe both homes
Your inventory is not only a list of things. Your mover also needs to know:
The floor of each home, and whether there are stairs or elevators
How far the truck can park from the door
Building rules for move-in hours, elevator reservations and certificates of insurance
These details affect your estimate as much as the furniture does.
Keep it updated
Plans change. You sell the sofa, a relative gives you a dresser, or you decide to bring the storage unit. When something changes, call your mover right away so your estimate can be updated before moving day, not during it. You can learn more in our article on why moving prices change on moving day.
Let us help with the list
MLV TIP At MLV Transportation, we build your estimate from the inventory you share with us, and we offer on-site quotes in the Chicago area so nothing gets missed. If you would rather not pack yourself, our Home Relocation service includes full packing and packing supplies. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my mover need such a detailed inventory?
Because the price, the size of the truck and the size of the crew are all based on it. A complete inventory is the best way to make sure your final price matches your estimate.
What if I forget something?
Call us as soon as you remember. It is much easier to update your estimate before moving day.
Do you do in-home estimates?
Yes. MLV offers on-site quotes in the Chicago area.
What items can't go on the truck?
Firearms and ammunition, hazardous materials like gasoline, propane and paint, perishable food and plants. Keep valuables, documents and medications with you.
Ready to Move? Talk to the Real Movers
SAVE 10% WHEN YOU BOOK DIRECT Use code MLVSAML2026 The Real Movers. No broker in the middle. |
Planning a move? Get your instant estimate in 2 minutes and save 10% with code MLVSAML2026.
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