There's nothing worse than discovering that the truck you have booked to move your belongings isn't big enough to store your stuff. We know how stressful this can be and at Best Rated Transport, we strive to ensure this doesn't happen.

One of the ways we do this is through our unique video inventory assistance where one of our moving coordinators can check your inventory via video call. The process is quick, simple and ensures you have over or underestimated your inventory. Give Best Rated Transport a call to get started and check out these additional tips on how to take inventory accurately when moving house. 

Why Take Inventory

Taking inventory helps ensure that everything arrives safely and is accounted for. It can also keep you organised during the move, prevents items from getting lost and allows you to get rid of items you may not need to bring with you. It's a way to start your new journey fresh but it's also an important part of the planning process. 

A detailed inventory can be useful for insurance purposes in case of damage or loss during the move and, most importantely, it assists in estimating moving costs, including the size of the truck or shipping container needed.

How to Take Inventory when Moving House

1. Room-by-Room Approach: Start by going through each room in your current home. Note down all items, big or small. It’s helpful to categorise items (e.g., furniture, electronics, kitchenware) as you go.

2. Use Technology: Consider using a smartphone app or a spreadsheet to create your inventory. Apps like “Sortly” or “MoveAdvisor” can help you categorise items, add photos, and even estimate their value. Take a look at our top apps for moving. 

3. Detailed Descriptions: For each item, record its description (brand, model), condition (especially for fragile items), and any serial numbers if applicable. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims.

4. Labeling: As you pack boxes, label them clearly with the contents and the room they belong to. This makes unpacking much easier.

5. Declutter Beforehand: Moving is a great opportunity to declutter. Take inventory as a chance to identify items you no longer need or use.

6. Pack Essentials Separately: Keep important documents, valuables, and essentials (like a change of clothes and toiletries) separate and easily accessible.

7. Take Measurements: If you’re unsure whether furniture will fit in your new place, measure both the furniture and the doorways, stairwells, or elevators it needs to pass through.

Calculating Cubic Meterage:

When you hire a moving company, they often charge based on the volume of items you need to transport. Cubic meterage refers to the volume of space your belongings occupy. Here’s how to estimate it:

• Measurements: Measure the length, width, and height of each packed box or piece of furniture.

• Multiply: Multiply these dimensions together to get the volume in cubic meters (m³).

• Add Up: Add up the cubic meterage of all your belongings to estimate the total volume needed for transportation.

As mentioned above, knowing your cubic meterage can be tricky and if you are ever unsure, the team at Best Rated Transport can certainly assist you. Schedule a call to do a free inventory check anytime. 

Below are some of the standard sizings for common furniture: 

• King-sized bed: Approximately 2.5 to 3 cubic meters.
• Coffee table: Around 0.2 to 0.3 cubic meters.
• Television: Typically 0.2 to 0.3 cubic meters, depending on the size and packaging.
• Single bed: Approximately 1 to 1.5 cubic meters.
• Small couch (2-seater): Roughly 1 to 1.5 cubic meters.
• Large couch (3-seater): Generally 1.5 to 2 cubic meters.
• Dining table: About 0.5 to 1 cubic meter, depending on the size and shape.
• Desk: Approximately 0.5 to 1 cubic meter.
• Tall boy (chest of drawers): Around 0.5 to 1.5 cubic meters.
• Cot (baby crib): Up to 1.5 cubic meters.
• Change table: Up to 1 cubic meter.

How Many Boxes will I Need?

This is another important question when taking inventory when moving house. In general, here is what you will need: 

• 2 bedroom : 20-30
  3 bedroom : 25-35
  4 bedroom : 30-50

We hope this inventory guide assists you with how to take inventory when moving house. Remember, if you need any help with your move, Best Rated Transport is only a phone call away! We pride ourselves in delivering excellent customer service, competetive rates and a 7-point comparison system so you can book your house movers with confidence.