Sort by decision, room by room
Use four categories: move, sell, donate and undecided. Record the large items first, then boxes and storage contents. Give undecided items a review date so they do not silently become part of the final shipment.
Keep sentimental value separate from replacement cost. An irreplaceable family piece and a standard spare table deserve different decisions, even when they occupy similar space.
Measure for the destination
Check the floor plan, doorways, stair turns and elevator dimensions where available. A piece that fits a room may not fit the route into it. If housing is still unsettled, flag especially large pieces and ask the provider what information will be needed later.
Compare moving with replacing carefully
Consider condition, usefulness, replacement availability and the services needed to move the item. Ask the provider how removing substantial inventory changes the proposal. Avoid assuming a fixed saving per item or that replacing everything is automatically cheaper.
Include the time and uncertainty involved in selling, donating and replacing goods. Decide what you need to make the new home usable immediately.
Give fragile and specialty items their own review
Photograph delicate pieces and record dimensions. Ask about packing materials, crating, disassembly and accepted contents. Clarify who does the preparation and the applicable provider terms for self-packed goods.
For personal valuables and essential records, decide what stays with you. Keep those items clearly separated so they are not packed inadvertently.
Keep the provider’s inventory current
Once sales or donations are complete, send an updated list. If you add storage-unit contents or decide to bring a vehicle, raise it explicitly. Ask for the revised proposal when scope changes, rather than assuming an earlier estimate covers a different shipment.
A useful inventory entry
- Item or box group, quantity and current room.
- Approximate dimensions for bulky pieces.
- Fragile, heavy or special-preparation notes.
- Keep, sell, donate or decision pending.
- Pickup location if different from the main home.
Keep your next step simple.
Share your route, approximate date and move size. Add the access or timing detail that matters most, and use the provider conversation to fill in the rest.
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