Packing & Inventory Checklist
A complete inventory is what makes your binding estimate accurate and your move-day stress-free. Use this checklist room by room — what to box, what movers won't take, and what to keep with you.
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Pack-it-yourself supply list
- Small boxes (16×12×12) for books, dishes, heavy items
- Medium boxes (18×18×16) for general household items
- Large boxes (24×18×18) for bedding, pillows, lampshades
- Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- Dish-pack and mirror cartons for fragile items
- Packing paper, bubble wrap, packing tape, markers
- Mattress bags, stretch wrap, furniture pads
Non-allowables — pack these separately, keep with you
- Cash, checks, jewelry, important documents, passports
- Prescription medications and medical records
- Hard drives, irreplaceable photos, family heirlooms
- Propane, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, aerosols, paint
- Ammunition, fireworks, charcoal, fertilizer
- Perishable food, opened liquids, plants (most interstate)
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Room-by-room order (4 weeks → move day)
- 1Week 4: garage, attic, basement, storage, off-season clothing
- 2Week 3: guest rooms, formal dining, books, art, decor
- 3Week 2: linens, kids' rooms, secondary bathrooms
- 4Week 1: living room, dining room, primary closets
- 53 days out: kitchen except daily-use, primary bathroom
- 6Move morning: essentials box (chargers, meds, change of clothes, keys, docs)
Frequently asked questions
Why does an accurate inventory matter so much?
Your binding written estimate is calculated from the inventory on the contract. Items you forget to list become add-ons at pickup — usually at the carrier's add-on rate, not their quoted rate. A thorough inventory is the single biggest factor in price accuracy.
What won't movers transport?
FMCSA prohibits non-allowables: propane tanks, fuel, paint and aerosols, ammunition, fireworks, charcoal, fertilizer, certain cleaning chemicals, perishable food, and live plants on most interstate moves. Most also won't take cash, jewelry, prescriptions, or important documents — keep those with you.
How many boxes will I need?
Rough guide: studio 25–40 boxes, 1BR 40–60, 2BR 60–90, 3BR 90–130, 4BR+ 130–200. Mix small/medium/large. Books and dishes go in small boxes; bedding and lampshades in large.
When should I start packing?
For a long-distance move, start non-essential rooms 4–6 weeks out. Pack the kitchen and bedroom essentials last (3–5 days out). Label every box: room, contents summary, fragile/not-fragile, this-side-up.
Should I let the movers pack?
Full packing typically adds $1,000–$3,500. Worth it if you have high-value or fragile items — movers will only insure full-replacement valuation on items they packed. Self-packed boxes are covered only if external damage is visible.
Related guides
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Moving Ranger is an independent moving quote and route guide. We connect you with one vetted, FMCSA-authorized interstate moving professional. We are not a motor carrier and do not transport household goods.