--- title: High Value Inventory Meaning | Glossary | O'Brien's url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - High value inventory # What is a high value inventory? A high value inventory is the written list of articles you tell the mover are worth more than 100 dollars per pound. Federal rules (49 CFR 375.203) let a mover cap recovery for such items at 100 dollars per pound if you never notify it in writing. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Most household goods are worth far less than 100 dollars per pound, so the list stays short. A violin, a diamond ring, a signed print or a laptop is another story, and this entry explains the paperwork that protects those items. ## The rule behind the list FMCSA defines a high-value article as one valued at more than 100 dollars per pound. The rule in 49 CFR 375.203(b) says that if you release your goods at more than the basic rate and fail to tell the mover in writing about such articles, liability can be limited to 100 dollars per pound per article. Section 375.203(c) gives the other side: once you notify the mover in writing, you are entitled to full recovery up to the declared value of the articles, not to exceed the declared value of the whole shipment. ## What belongs on it Size does not matter: a 1-pound ring can be worth thousands per pound, and the test is value divided by weight. - Jewelry, watches and loose gemstones - Fine art, signed prints and small antiques - Musical instruments of high value - Cameras, laptops and other compact electronics - Coins, collectibles and important heirlooms ## How to prepare one Keep the smallest, most valuable items with you in the car, since they travel better in your hands than on a truck. - Photograph each article and note any marks that are already there. - Write a description, the approximate value and the supporting paper, such as an appraisal or receipt. - Give the list to the mover in writing before the move and keep a copy. - Mark the same articles on the mover's inventory so the numbers match. ## High value items and O'Brien's O'Brien's makes an itemized inventory and condition report before packing, and the estimator will ask about pieces such as art, antiques, pianos and wine collections during the in-home estimate. Telling the estimator early lets the crew plan crating, padding and placement. The mover's inventory is the record at delivery, where you can note any missing or damaged article. Call 775-359-6683 to ask about declaring valuables on your move. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.203](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFRaf957489d1c5963/section-375.203) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.201](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375/subpart-B/subject-group-ECFRaf957489d1c5963/section-375.201) - [FMCSA, Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2023-10/FMCSA_R%26R_Handbook_Web_v1.pdf) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving and storage glossary](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/) - [Full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/full-value-protection/) - [Valuation coverage: released value vs full value protection](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/valuation-coverage/) - [The moving inventory and high-value items form](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-inventory/) Moving glossary ## Read next - [Accessorial charges](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/accessorial-charges/) - [Long carry](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/long-carry/) - [Shuttle service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/shuttle-service/) - [Flight charge](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/flight-charge/) - [Origin agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/origin-agent/) - [Destination agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/destination-agent/) - [Booking agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/booking-agent/) - [Hauling agent](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/hauling-agent/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Do I need a high value inventory for ordinary furniture? Usually not. The list is for individual articles that are worth more than 100 dollars per pound. ### Does it have to be in writing? Yes. Federal rules refer to notifying the mover in writing. ### Does the mover insure these items automatically? No. Coverage follows the valuation level you chose, so declare the items and discuss the options at the estimate. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) D Debbie G. October 17, 2025 Both movers were courteous, efficient and very carful with my furniture. Also, talking with Janet over the phone was a pleasure. L Laurie I. September 28, 2025 The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure! ### Owner's reply Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you! E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070