How to Conduct a Home Inventory After You MoveMake Sure All You Items Arrived without Damage or Loss

By Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide


After a move, an important step in unpacking is to take a home inventory. You want to make sure that all your items made it to your new place without damage or loss.


While the Movers are ThereMost movers will assign you the task of checking off items as they bring them into your home. This is done with an inventory sheet and corresponding numbers and descriptions. It's really important that this check-off is done without being distracted. Sometimes it's difficult if there are several movers, each bringing in items at the same time. I usually post myself at the door and only allow one mover in at a time until I find the item on the sheet. Items are marked with a number that corresponds to a number on the sheet.

Remember, if something is missing, highlight it and bring it to the movers' attention. Don't sign the sheet until you feel confident that all boxes and single items are accounted for.

Also make sure you check the furniture and appliances carefully. Missing feet, broken knobs and scratches can be overlooked in the first inventory round. Take your time and if possible, have a friend with you so you can divide up duties; one person can check off items as they come through the door while the other person can look over stuff to ensure there isn't any damage. Make sure you plug in appliances and check that they're working before signing the inventory sheet. Plus, it is so much easier to locate a missing box or discuss damage when the movers are still there.

If you find items have been damaged in the move, make sure you note these on the inventory sheet. We had this happen once to a rocking chair and because we'd made a note about it on the sheet, and the mover also has to sign the sheet, we received compensation for the damage.


After the Movers are GoneWhen you're unpacking, keep a notepad beside you to make notes on items that might be missing and/or are damaged. Missing boxes will have been noted when the movers were there, but damage to items packed inside won't be.

If other people are helping you unpack, make sure you have copies of the inventory sheet you created when you were first packing or that they're matching the list on the outside of each box with what they're unpacking. They should also note damages or place damaged items aside for you to inspect later.

Make sure you check all small appliances and electronics, too. Something might look fine on the outside, but once you plug in the device, it might not work. This task should be done within the first few days of unpacking; don't wait until you actually use the item to report it's damage. By then, the insurance might not cover the cost of replacement.


Report Missing Items and DamagesIf anything is missing, call the mover first to see if they can track the item. Often the item was left on the truck so it's simply a matter of checking for it. If the item is found, the mover will either drop it off to your home or send it to you by courier.

If the mover says they can't find the item or if you find items have been damaged, contact the insurance company, either through the mover or through your own personal insurance. Either way, you'll need to file a claim and provide information on the missing or damaged item. This is when a home inventory list, made before you move, comes in handy.

For more information on filing a claim, read the article How to File a Moving Insurance Claim.

Hopefully, you won't have to submit a claim and that your unpacking goes as smoothly as your packing.

Source:
http://moving.about.com/od/thingsyouneedtodo/a/home_inventory.htm

Movers in La Canada Flintridge California

Movers Pacific Palisades

Movers in La Canada Flintridge California

Movers Pacific Palisades