Begin room by room before the packing day
List furniture, appliances, personal items and cartons from each room. Separate goods travelling with you, goods to ship and items to leave behind. Mark provisional choices so they are not mistaken for final accepted contents. Photographs can help explain large or unusual pieces during the quotation review.
Identify items with batteries, food contents, plant or animal materials, outdoor use or another acceptance question. Do this before the cartons are sealed. Read the restrictions guide and resolve uncertain items with the responsible representative.
Use useful descriptions rather than vague labels
Describe what is inside a carton accurately enough for the receiving and declaration process. A label such as kitchen utensils and crockery is more informative than miscellaneous for every box, but the exact detail needed should be confirmed for the destination. Do not disguise an item under a broader description.
US CBP’s household effects guidance specifically explains the importance of a complete inventory rather than only the phrase household effects. Use that as a US-specific example and obtain the checklist for your own destination.
Connect contents to package numbers
| Inventory field | Example of the record to keep |
|---|---|
| Package number | A unique number used on the package and list |
| Contents | Accurate description of the goods actually packed |
| Quantity | Relevant item or set count |
| Condition | Existing damage or concern where useful |
| Special review | Declaration, cleaning or acceptance question |
| Shipment group | Air, sea or other agreed consignment identifier |
If goods are repacked, update both the package label and the list. Avoid two different cartons using the same number, and record separate parts or accessory packages clearly.
Keep value and ownership information accurate
Ask which valuation basis is required for customs declarations and which for insurance. These purposes can differ. Do not make up a nominal value or assume that being used makes an item valueless. Keep evidence of ownership or purchase where the reviewed process requests it.
Explain new purchases, gifts, commercial goods or items belonging to someone else. They may raise different questions from your own used household belongings. Discuss the facts before relying on a personal-effects description or a relief application.
Review the final packed list at collection
Check that the list reflects what was actually packed and handed over, including any goods omitted on the day. Record large items, dismantled components and separate accessories. Keep condition photographs connected to the relevant item or package instead of a folder of unlabelled close-ups.
Do not sign a blank list or confirm a count you have not reconciled. Ask how the final inventory connects to the collection acknowledgement and transport documents. Read the documents guide to keep names, references and package records consistent.
Give the receiver a usable copy
Store a copy you can access during travel and share the relevant record with the authorised recipient. At delivery, count the packages and note missing units, visible damage or inspection limitations. The inventory supports reconciliation; it is not by itself proof of insurance or customs release.
- Describe the goods before packing.
- Number packages uniquely.
- Resolve restricted or uncertain contents.
- Update repacking and final counts.
- Keep copies for declarations and receiving.
Use the export packing guide and the moving checklist for the next stage. Send the inventory with your route through Get a Quote and discuss the proposed scope under International Shifting.
Common questions
Can I write miscellaneous on every carton?
Use accurate contents descriptions and follow the destination checklist. Vague labels may not provide the detail required.
Should I list goods I may decide not to ship?
Mark them provisional, then update the final inventory to the actual packed shipment.
Is insurance value automatically customs value?
Ask for the basis required for each purpose; do not assume they are interchangeable.
What if cartons are repacked?
Update labels, contents and package count so the inventory still matches the physical shipment.
Plan your next chapter across borders.
Share the origin, destination country and city, goods inventory and preferred timing. Let us review your international moving requirement.