Make moving easier by listing your belongings

How to determine the amount of stuff you have

You can divide your home into rooms, each containing a certain number of items. By listing the rooms and their contents, you’ll get a clear idea of what you have and where everything is. Start by listing the spaces and items in an order, beginning with the ones you use the least—you’ll be surprised at what you’ve forgotten!

Split a sheet of paper into as many sections as you have rooms, and label each section—for example, “Bedroom 1” and “Bedroom 2.” Don’t forget storage areas, garages, and other spaces like bathrooms and utility rooms. The goal is to figure out how many usable spaces you actually have.

Once you’ve mapped out all the rooms and storage areas, list the items in each one. Note the furniture and larger items under each room. You don’t need to list every cup and spoon—just writing "cutlery" is enough to remind you to get packing paper for them later.

Get your packing supplies ahead of time

Once you’ve listed your rooms and belongings, go over the list and consider what packing supplies you’ll need. Making an inventory is a great first step in preparing for a move. When you know what you’re packing, it’s much easier to choose the right packing materials.

Creating a list is worth it—there’s a lot to remember during a move!
Be sure to check out our comprehensive Moving Checklist to stay on track.