Start with the items that will actually travel
Make a room-by-room inventory, then remove anything you are selling or leaving behind. Give furniture its own entry rather than writing only “living room”. For boxes, state the number, outside measurements and a useful contents description. Describe a mixed load clearly: books, clothing and kitchenware can have very different weights.
Mark furniture that will be dismantled and measure it in its packed condition. Include appliances, bicycles, garden items and goods already in storage. If the final box count is not known, label it as an estimate and update it before vehicle capacity is confirmed.
Record size, weight and protection needs
Use length × width × height for each packed item or group of identical boxes, and state whether measurements are in centimetres or metres. Include packaging, not just the bare item. Give approximate weights where a measured figure is unavailable, clearly marked as estimated; do not guess a precise total and present it as verified.
For fragile, valuable, heavy or awkward pieces, add photos and explain the packaging. Say if an item must stay upright, cannot be stacked or needs dismantling. A photograph helps with assessment but does not establish its weight or guarantee that one person can safely carry it.
Keep carrying information alongside the inventory
The same item can involve different work at a ground-floor loading bay and an upper-floor flat. Give the floor at both addresses, lift dimensions, stairs before the lift, narrow turns and the distance from permitted parking. Mention building access times or a lift reservation.
Tell me whether you will load with the driver or need an additional helper. Request packing, protective materials, carry-in or assembly before booking. The inventory describes the goods; the agreed service scope describes the work. Neither should be left to an assumption on moving day.
Transport inventory is not a universal customs form
I may ask for estimated values, weights, quantities and supporting documents when preparing a customs file. The destination, purpose and goods determine what is required. Used belongings, new purchases and commercial goods should not be silently mixed under one description.
For example, HMRC’s ToR application guidance asks for an item list but does not require values or brands for that application. Other clearance stages can need different information. Send me your route and circumstances so I can identify the appropriate documents; this checklist does not grant duty or VAT relief.
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Item or box group | A recognisable description and contents category |
| Quantity | How many packed units; identify estimates |
| Packed dimensions | Length × width × height, with units |
| Weight | Measured or approximate, clearly labelled |
| Condition / handling | Fragile, upright only, dismantled, non-stackable |
| Value where requested | Estimated value and currency for the relevant file |
Practical questions
Can I request a quote before everything is packed?
Yes. Send an initial inventory, photos and estimated quantities, marked as provisional. Update the details before the vehicle and final scope are confirmed.
Must I list every book or piece of clothing separately?
For transport planning, clear categories, box counts, sizes and approximate weights are useful. Customs lists depend on the procedure; for the UK ToR application, HMRC allows grouping such as books and clothing rather than individual titles or garments.
Do photos replace a packing list?
No. Photos help show shape, access and protection needs, but I still need quantities, packed sizes, weights and a clear description of what will travel.
Tell me your route and what you need to move. I assess your enquiry personally, with services arranged through 1wayeurope OÜ.
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