How to Take Inventory of Your Furniture Before Moving

Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan

Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but it’s important for homeowners to keep track of their furniture during the process. To ensure nothing is overlooked, creating a detailed furniture inventory list before moving day is essential. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you build an organized and comprehensive inventory that supports insurance needs, reduces moving costs, and simplifies relocation.

What is a Furniture Inventory List?

A furniture inventory list is a complete record of the household furniture a family plans to relocate to their new home. In addition to listing items like beds, sofas, and desks, a well-prepared list also notes the condition, dimensions, and estimated value of each piece.

For example, instead of simply listing “antique chair,” a homeowner would also include its age, material, style, rarity, maker, and current market value — especially if it holds historical or sentimental significance.

How Do Homeowners Take Inventory of Furniture?

Taking inventory is straightforward and can be done using a spreadsheet, moving app, or a physical notepad. Digital tools like inventory apps or cloud spreadsheets allow for easy updates and backups.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go room by room and list each furniture item.
2. Record condition (e.g., excellent, fair, damaged).
3. Take photos to document current appearance and damages.
4. Measure and note dimensions for fit in your new space.
5. Include brand/model details if available.
6. Assign a value based on purchase price or appraisal.

Sample Furniture Inventory Checklist

What Are the Benefits of a Furniture Inventory List?

A furniture inventory list serves many purposes. It streamlines the relocation process by alerting homeowners as to what furniture needs to be prepared for the move and what pieces can be donated or discarded. A recliner that no longer reclines might be better off discarded.

The moving company provides a more accurate quote for their services when provided with a furniture inventory list. Knowing the exact number of furniture items to move gives them a clearer picture of the labor, time, and resources needed for the relocation.

Referring to the aforementioned example of the antique chair, its condition described in the furniture inventory list can be used in the event of damage during the move. The list is a pre-move record that proves the chair’s original state and can be used to file insurance claims.

Plus, the furniture inventory list is a great tool for decluttering. Homeowners may wish that old furniture, like the previously mentioned recliner, be donated rather than hauled to the new home. By reducing the number of items to be moved, the overall moving cost decreases.

How Do Homeowners Decide which Furniture is Worth Moving?

Deciding which furniture is worth moving depends on several factors. First off, focus on its functionality. A rickety rocking chair that has a high risk for being damaged during the move is worth donating rather than transporting to the new home.

Another factor to consider is whether or not a piece of furniture will fit into the layout of the new space. Families or individuals who are downsizing may resort to giving away most of their bulky furniture due to the size limitations of their new condo or apartment.

Furniture choices also depend on the aesthetics of both the furniture and the new property. If the new home’s architectural style differs starkly from the current residence, it may be desirable to choose pieces that blend with or compliment the new home’s design.

Some furniture pieces evoke memories or are family heirlooms, making it difficult to part with them. Even when sentimental items fail to fit into the new home’s layout or clash with its architectural design, homeowners may elect to relocate them.

Related: How to Decide If Furniture is Worth Moving

How Do Homeowners Protect Furniture During the Move?

Protecting your furniture during a move is really important to make sure everything arrives in one piece. Using the right materials can make all the difference. Here are some of the best supplies and tips to keep your furniture safe throughout the move:

• Stretch wrap and padding help protect your furniture by cushioning surfaces and holding protective layers in place. This prevents scratches and small dents during loading and transport.
• Moving blankets are thick and soft, perfect for wrapping around larger pieces like couches and dressers. They act like a buffer against bumps and scratches when things get tight in the truck.
• Bubble wrap is great for fragile parts like glass tabletops, mirrors, or delicate legs on tables and chairs. It keeps these vulnerable spots safe from cracks or chips.
• Plastic sofa covers protect your upholstery from dirt, dust, and moisture while everything is being moved. This is especially helpful if the weather is unpredictable.
• Custom crates are ideal for valuable or antique pieces that need extra care. These crates hold your furniture steady and protect it from heavy bumps or jolts.
• Labeled bags or boxes are a lifesaver when you take furniture apart. Keep screws, bolts, and other small pieces in clearly marked bags and attach them to the right furniture, so you don’t lose anything.

One last tip — if you can, take apart big furniture before moving. It makes everything lighter and easier to carry, plus it saves space in the truck. Use a dolly to move heavy items, and be sure to secure everything with straps or ropes so nothing shifts around on the road.

For more detailed tips on protecting your furniture, check out our full guide: How to Protect Your Furniture During a Move.

Why Document Furniture Condition?

Documenting furniture condition protects you during disputes or damage claims. Here’s how:

• Take clear photos of each piece before the move
• Note scratches, dents, or existing damage
• Use this record to support moving insurance claims if needed

Professional Furniture Moving from Mid-West Moving and Storage

Although homeowners should take an inventory of their furniture prior to moving, it’s advisable to leave the furniture protection to the pros. Mid-West Moving & Storage is a professional mover with an experienced crew that can provide top-quality furniture protection and moving services.

We disassemble all types of furniture with ease. Whether you plan to move an antique grandfather clock or a sizeable pool table, our movers possess the skill and training to ensure each piece of furniture receives the highest level of care and protection. Our professional moving services ensure your belongings are loaded onto the truck and transported with careful handling. Upon arriving at the destination, we unload your goods and offer unpacking services. We follow your inventory list so each furniture piece is positioned in the correct location.

We’ve moved countless satisfied customers to and from family homes, condos, apartments, college dorms, and retirement communities. Our quality moves are available to homeowners and renters, along with exceptional customer service, budget friendly options, and keeping your relocation on schedule.

When you are planning a move, choose Mid-West Moving & Storage. We move families and individuals into and out of Chicago, Illinois and suburbs. Call our office today to obtain a free moving quote or to schedule your upcoming relocation.

Not sure what your move will cost? Try our moving cost calculator to get a quick, personalized estimate and plan your budget with confidence.