--- title: Moving Inventory: What It Is and How to Read It url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-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 guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - The moving inventory and high-value items form # The moving inventory: what it is and how to read it The inventory is the numbered, itemized list of every carton and uncartoned item in your shipment, with a condition note for each, and federal rules require the mover to prepare it and give you a signed copy before or at loading. Both you and the mover sign each page, so check it before you do. 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/) The inventory looks like a long, dull form, and on loading day it can feel like it slows the crew. It is the single most useful piece of evidence if something is damaged, because it records what existed and in what condition before the truck pulled away. ## How the mover builds it For each shipment, the mover prepares a written, itemized inventory that identifies every carton and every item not in a carton. An identification number matching the inventory is placed on each article. The inventory is prepared before or at the time of loading and in a way that lets you observe and verify its accuracy. The mover also lists any damage or unusual wear on each item, which is why the crew walks around a sofa or a dresser before wrapping it. At O'Brien's, an itemized inventory and condition report comes before packing begins, so you can see what the crew sees. ## What to check line by line - Every carton and piece of furniture is on the list, including items in the garage or shed. - The condition notes match what you see: scratches, chips and worn spots should be recorded now, not found later. - Descriptions are specific enough to identify the item, for example a dining table with two leaves rather than just table. - Numbers on the stickers match the numbers on the pages. - High-value articles are flagged, and you have notified the mover in writing (see [high-value inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/)). ## Signing and copies Both you and the mover sign each page. A complete copy, signed by both of you, must be provided to you with a copy of the bill of lading before or at loading. You have the right to note any disagreement before signing. Attach the whole inventory to your copy of the [bill of lading](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/), because it is part of that contract. ## At delivery On delivery day, check the items arriving against the inventory. The mover must give you the chance to verify that the same articles are being delivered and note any missing articles or damaged ones in writing, and to receive a copy of those notes. Sign the mover's copy only when it is accurate. If you find something wrong, begin with the [claim guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/). ## Keep your own list too A personal inventory with photos of valuable and fragile items, serial numbers for electronics and a note of what is in each box makes unpacking easier and supports a claim. The [inventory builder](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/inventory-builder/) helps you list belongings room by room before the estimator visits, and the result is useful again at the packing stage. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [eCFR, 49 CFR 375.503, inventory](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-375) - [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 - [The bill of lading, explained](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/bill-of-lading-explained/) - [Home inventory builder](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/tools/inventory-builder/) - [How to file a moving damage claim](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-file-a-moving-claim/) - [High value inventory](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/glossary/high-value-inventory/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Pickup and delivery spreads on long-distance moves](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/delivery-spread-explained/) - [What is storage in transit?](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-is-storage-in-transit/) - [What movers will not move (hazardous items)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/what-movers-will-not-move/) - [Are moving expenses tax deductible? (IRS)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-expenses-and-taxes/) - [The 8-week moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-checklist/) - [Long-distance moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/long-distance-moving-checklist/) - [Office relocation checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/office-moving-checklist/) - [Senior moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/senior-moving-checklist/) 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/). ### How long does the mover keep the inventory? Federal rules require movers to keep inventories for at least one year from the date they were made. ### Can I disagree with a condition note? Yes. You may note disagreement on the inventory before you sign, and you should. ### Is an inventory made for local moves? O'Brien's prepares an itemized inventory and condition report before packing. Ask your estimator how it works for your move. ## 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) J Judy H. April 7, 2026 I was so satisfied and impressed with O'Brien. My move went perfectly. If I have another move, it will be O'Brien for sure!! ### Owner's reply WE ARE THRILLED TO HEAR THE MOVE WENT SO WELL!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to let us know. F Francie H. February 20, 2026 We were referred to O'Brien's Moving and Storage though a friend in Reno. We couldn't be more pleased with the Professionalism and Service. They were quick to set up Luke to come out and give us a quote and scheduled the actual move date right away. Luke was on time for our quote as were the movers on our moving day. All three of the gentlemen who moved us were professional and courteous from start to finish. From the initial phone call to the completion of our move, we felt like we were treated as family. We would definitely use them again and recommend O'Brien's Moving and Storage to our friends in the future. ### Owner's reply Francie, Thank you for this amazing review. The result you have expressed is exactly what we all strive to accomplish. I love that you walked away knowing you are now a part of the O'Brien's family, whenever you need us we are a phone call away! I will let the movers know about the kind words expressed about them, that will be very satisfying for all of them. We will look forward to any referrals you send our way, thank you for the opportunity! M Mark S. January 22, 2026 Great company and local. They take great care of your moving needs. They are very accommodating and quick to respond. Highly recommend them for your moving needs and storage needs. Thanks to the O'Brien team for doing a fantastic job. ## 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