How to describe your inventory

You don't need a room-by-room spreadsheet. A few details explain most of the difference between a two-hour move and a six-hour one.

Start with home size, then adjust

Home size (studio, one-bedroom, and so on) is a useful starting point, but two homes of the same size can hold very different amounts. Say whether yours is lightly furnished, typical or full. A garage, basement or storage room usually counts as an extra room.

Count boxes roughly

A rough count is enough: "about 30 boxes" or "about 60 boxes". If you aren't packed yet, say so. Unpacked rooms change the job more than anything else.

List the big pieces

Name the large furniture: sofas, sectionals, beds, dressers, dining tables, desks, bookcases, and anything that comes apart. Note anything you already know won't fit through a door without disassembly.

Call out specialty items separately

These are reviewed one by one and should never be lumped in with ordinary furniture:

• Pianos (upright or grand)
• Safes (with approximate weight)
• Treadmills, home gyms and weight sets
• Slate pool tables
• Large appliances, aquariums, marble or stone tops
• Anything over about 300 lb

Describe access, not just stuff

Stairs, elevators, long hallways and where the truck can park often matter as much as the inventory itself. The move planner asks about each one.