Our belongings travel through so many chapters of our lives. But when was the last time you considered all that you own? Whether you plan to go from an apartment to your first house, downsize from a family home to a condo, or create an assessment for insurance, you’ll want to make a moving inventory list! 

Taking a home inventory is an essential step in the moving process. It will help you see what you own, what you may need, and what you can donate or sell before packing everything up and getting it to your new place. 

What is a Moving Inventory List? 

A moving inventory list outlines everything you’ll need to move from your old home to your new one. It can be as general or as detailed as you’d like. Some people jot down what the item is, while others include their condition and estimated value, as well as: 

• Item description, including make, model, and serial number
• When they bought it, how much it cost, and its current estimated value
• Quantity if there are multiples (i.e., chairs, dishes, etc.) 
• Receipts or warranties
• Where the item lived at the previous location and where it’ll be moved to in the new one 

A detailed inventory is great, especially if you notice anything damaged during moving. 

How Do You Take Inventory Before Moving? 

You can always take inventory the old-fashioned way, with pen and paper. But you can also use apps to track your belongings digitally. Since we live in a digital age, there is (of course) an app for that! In fact, there are several. We’ve broken down some of the best inventory apps and what they can do for you based on your needs.

Sortly (iOS and Android)

If organization is your thing, this app is for you. Sortly lets you list, categorize, and track items using QR codes. Free options exist, but the best monthly plans for this moving checklist app are $29-59. 

Encircle (iOS and Android)

Encircle is free and easy to use. Upload unlimited photos of your items. You can even divide them into rooms or categories.

This app is specifically for taking inventory of your items for insurance reasons, so it’s ideal for use once you’ve settled into a new home. You can easily link up several devices so everyone in your family can help!

Magic Home Inventory (Android)

This free app is similar to Encircle. You can take photos of your items and divide them into rooms, categories, and properties. The properties feature is convenient if you’re using a storage unit. This app also allows you to export and share your items with other devices in your home and professional movers (like AAA Movers).

Todoist (iOS and Android)

If you find moving overwhelming, this task management moving checklist app can help! Not only is it easy to inventory your belongings, but this app enables you to track all those pesky tasks: setting up utilities, changing your address, and updating rent or mortgage payments. Plans are free, or you can upgrade for $4-6/month. 

Memento Database (Android/Desktop)

Memento Database works on computer desktops or Androids. The free version allows you to upload unlimited photos into three libraries with 50mg of storage. For $3 a month, you have unlimited photo uploads with 2G of storage.

Both versions of this moving inventory list offer versatility in your preferred organizational method. View your belongings in various formats, export your list to a Google spreadsheet, and more.

Home Contents (iOS)

For a one-time in-app purchase, Home Contents offers the widest variety of options for maintaining your inventory. Besides uploading photos of your items, you can store receipts and warranty information, schedule maintenance alerts for appliances, get a coverage analysis to determine if you have proper home or renters insurance, and use an additional option for estate planning.

Nest Egg (iOS)

Nest Egg is not free, but at only $4.99, you still get all the essential features in a home inventory app. Categorize your belongings, scan barcodes when necessary, and upload multiple photos for each item. Nest Egg also features online price checking, warranty, and product expiration tracking and has been given excellent customer service reviews.

My Stuff2Pro (iOS)

My Stuff is available for $3.99 and is considered one of the most straightforward inventory apps. Upload photos, categorize items by room and collection, and use their search feature. Add detailed notes to each item, export your list to a PDF, and share it with up to six additional devices so everyone needing access has it. 

Feeling Like You Have Too Much Stuff? 

As you’re working through your moving inventory list, you might start feeling overwhelmed by how much you have. If you want to sell a few things, here’s a list of places to sell online. 

Get Organized for Your Move

Every app has benefits based on what you’re looking for in-home inventory management. You’re guaranteed a smoother, less stressful moving process, whichever app you choose.

An inventory app is a great start, but your move will be even easier when you turn to a trustworthy moving company like AAA Movers. Our goal is to make the process easy for you! 

Contact us today for a free moving quote!

Do you love staying on track during tumultuous times? Check out our printable moving checklist to stay organized from start to finish.