Moving abroad is challenging. You must adjust or re-adjust to a new climate and culture. But, before you go, you’ll need to create a household inventory for an international move.

What is an Inventory?

Simply put, an inventory is a detailed listing of all your household goods – everything from socks and soup spoons to staplers and saucepots. Generally, for an international move, the list must also include the fair market value of each item at your destination.

Why Do You Need an Inventory for an International Move?

Ideally, you should have an inventory for every move because:

• You can quickly unpack when you know what is in each box.
• The amount you pay for insurance depends on the value of the goods you are moving.
• It will remind you of what you already own so you know what to buy (or not) at your destination.
• You can provide a detailed list of goods to an insurance adjuster if the load is damaged or destroyed in transit.

However, for an international move, you will need a detailed inventory for the customs agency of your destination country. They need to know exactly what you bring into the country, how much it is worth, and whether you must pay duty on certain items. Additionally, if your inventory is incomplete, your household goods may be held at the border until you provide proper documentation. Yet another source of stress you don’t need!

How Do I Create an Inventory?

There are several ways to create an inventory for an international move. But what’s more important is when. And the “when” is as soon as possible. Listing all your household goods is time-consuming, even with all the efficiency tips I have. So, as soon as you know you are moving abroad, start your list.

There is a plethora of home inventory apps available for smartphones and computers. I won’t list them, but I will provide guidance on what to look for.

What format does Customs need?

If you choose an app to create your inventory, ensure you can export the information to the format needed at the border long before you arrive. You might not have access to cloud storage and a printer when you’re standing in front of a Border Services Agent who wants a paper copy to date-stamp.

What information do you need to collect about your household goods?

Different countries require you to include different information. For example, if you are moving to Australia, you must declare all wood and bamboo materials. On your inventory, you would list “teak wood salad bowl” instead of just “salad bowl.”

Your insurance company or moving company may want you to include details about an item’s condition, such as make, model, serial number, and the location of scratches, dents, and cracks – with or without pictures. Although, you might want to include photos of your goods because it makes describing an item easier.

What is your situation?

If you must inventory several locations (home, storage unit, vacation home), look for an app allowing you to create different properties and easily transfer items from one property to another. Likewise, you should be able to create, modify, and delete rooms/areas within each property. And it should be easy to shift items from room to room within the app.

Chances are that you and your household goods will not travel to your destination together. In other words, you won’t be driving the truck or flying the plane. In this case, you’ll need two inventories – one that lists everything you are hand-carrying into the country and the main list for your shipment that will arrive later. Ensure your inventory creation app makes it easy to extract a list of what you will carry with you (e.g., jewelry, valuables, etc.).

It’s easy to take a mobile device around your home and take pictures of your items. It might be more challenging to type a description, though. Choose an app that works on desktop and mobile devices and syncs through the cloud. Some apps will allow multiple users on the same account. That is an excellent option if you have a move manager and family members helping with the inventory.

Apps aren’t the only solution. You can use a pen and notebook too. Another option is to create a Google Form with various questions and simply fill out the form to generate your inventory on a spreadsheet.

More Tips for Building Your Inventory

Declutter As You Go

You can declutter your home before making your inventory, or you can declutter as you go. Having a list of items you are not allowed to bring to the new country is helpful so you can remove them as you declutter.

For example, Malaysia banned the importation of radio transmitters (e.g., CB radios, cordless telephones, walkie-talkies, etc.) and any cloth bearing a verse from the Quran. Many (most) countries prohibit the importation of alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and other weapons. But you may be able to get special permits in some cases.

If the electrical grid differs in your destination country, consider selling or donating anything that plugs in. If a lamp is expensive or sentimental, it might be worth having an electrician re-wire it. Otherwise, let it go.

Highlight the Valuables

When preparing your inventory for an international move, note the location of your valuable items. Ensure you bring these to the attention of your insurance company and moving company so you can get extra coverage. It would be best to carry small valuables like jewelry on your person.

Gather the Vital Records

You should carry vital records with you. To cross the border, you’ll need documentation like passports, your marriage licence, etc. Each country has different requirements, so check what you need before you pack your goods. Furthermore, you may need to carry additional documentation with you. For example, you may require proof of immunization for children before they start school – which might be before your shipment arrives.

Make Copies Accessible in Case of Emergency

Once your inventory is complete, make electronic and paper-based copies. Store electronic copies in the cloud, on your device, and on a second device. Consider sending an electronic copy to a close friend. In the (rare) case you can’t access any of your documents, they could email you the inventory. Additionally, every adult travelling should keep a paper copy in their carry-on bag (air travel) or suitcase (ground travel).

There are many details to manage in planning to live abroad and preparing an inventory for an international move. If you still have questions or find the process overwhelming, let Out of Chaos help minimize the stress and disruption with our Stress-Free Move Services. Contact us through our website today.