How to move a record or book collection without losing anything

To move a collection without losses, take the inventory before sealing the boxes, number each box and note what it holds, declare the valuable pieces to your mover in writing, then check everything as you unpack and file any claim in time. What I Already Own builds the inventory by scanning barcodes.

Official sources checked on September 29, 2026, numbered and dated at the bottom of the page.

Before, during, after: five steps

1. 1Take the inventory firstWhile everything is still on the shelves, list the collection: it's the only list that will show what left. Photograph fragile or rare pieces and their condition.
2. 2Number the boxesOne number per box, written on two sides, and entered in the inventory next to each item. On arrival, a missing box shows up at once, and you know what was in it.
3. 3Pack records and booksRecords upright, never flat, snug so they can't slide, in small sturdy boxes: a big box of records or books gets too heavy fast. Carry the most precious pieces yourself.
4. 4Declare the valueWith a mover, the valuation you choose sets what they'll pay for loss or damage. List separately, in writing, any items of extraordinary value.
5. 5Check on arrivalCount the boxes before the movers leave, note any visible damage precisely on the delivery paperwork, then unpack while ticking off the inventory. Damage found later is reported in writing, within the time allowed.

What official sources say, in the United States (interstate moves)

• For an interstate move, the mover must give you a complete copy of the inventory, signed by both of you, before or at the time of loading. ¹
• By default, the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods, up to the declared value of the shipment; if you waive that in writing, liability can be released to 60 cents per pound per article. ¹
• If you don't tell the mover in writing about articles worth more than $100 per pound, its liability for them may be limited to $100 per pound per article. ¹
• Federal law bars movers from giving you less than 9 months to file a claim, or less than 2 years to bring a lawsuit. ²
• The mover must acknowledge a claim within 30 days of receiving it, and pay, decline or make an offer within 120 days. ³

These rules are summarized from official pages as of the date shown. They don't replace your policy or contract, or advice from your insurer, a lawyer or another professional.

How What I Already Own fills it in as you scan

1. 1Before packing, scan the collection, or import it from Discogs, CLZ or Libib if you kept it there: title, artist or author, edition and barcode fill themselves in.
2. 2Create a shelf for each box (“Box 01”, “Box 02”…). In the Collection tab, search, tap “Select”, then file the selection on that box's shelf in one go.
3. 3Print the inventory before moving day: every item is numbered and shows its shelves, so its box. It becomes your unpacking checklist.
4. 4The CSV has a shelves column: sorted by box in a spreadsheet, it gives each box's contents to tick off on arrival.
5. 5When unpacking, open a box's shelf in the Collection tab: everything it should hold is listed, covers included.

What the app doesn't do

• It doesn't give market values: the value to declare to your mover comes from your receipts or a professional appraisal.
• It has no per-item checkbox: you check on the printed inventory or in your spreadsheet.
• It doesn't keep condition photos: a photo you take of a sleeve becomes its cover in the app, but neither the inventory nor the CSV includes it.
• It doesn't replace the mover's inventory, the bill of lading or a written claim.

Frequently asked questions

How do I pack vinyl records for a move?

Upright and snug, in small sturdy boxes: stacked flat, the records at the bottom carry the weight of the whole pile. Fill the gaps, mark the boxes “Fragile, records” with an arrow for this side up, and carry rare pieces yourself.

What value should I declare to my mover for a collection?

What you could back up after a loss: receipts, order records, or a professional appraisal for rare pieces. Tell the mover in writing about any item worth more than $100 per pound. What I Already Own doesn't give market values: its inventory shows only your purchase prices.

What if a box arrives damaged?

Note the damage precisely on the delivery paperwork before signing, photograph the box and its contents, then file a written claim. For interstate moves, federal rules give you at least 9 months to file.

How do I make sure nothing is missing?

Count the boxes before the movers leave, then unpack box by box, ticking off the inventory. Anything missing shows up on the list: report it in writing within the time allowed.