High-Value Inventory Form: What to Declare Before an Interstate Move
A $3,000 sofa and a $3,000 watch have the same purchase price.
Under federal interstate moving rules, however, they may be treated very differently.
Why?
Because when movers talk about an article of extraordinary value, the important number is not simply what the item costs. It is how much the item is worth per pound.
For interstate household-goods moves, an item worth more than $100 per pound is considered an article of extraordinary value for liability purposes. Jewelry, china, furs, antiques, collectibles, cameras, fine art, and other relatively lightweight but expensive belongings can easily fall into this category. FMCSA explains the rule in its Liability & Protection guidance, while the underlying federal requirement appears in 49 CFR § 375.203.
That is where the High-Value Inventory Form becomes important.
Many interstate carriers use a separate high-value declaration, extraordinary-value inventory, or similar document to identify expensive items before transportation. The exact form may vary by mover; federal rules focus on giving the mover written notice of qualifying articles rather than requiring every carrier to use one standardized form with that exact title.
If you fail to declare a qualifying item properly, you may discover after a loss that the mover’s liability is much lower than you expected.
This guide explains what counts as a high-value item, what should be declared, how the form relates to Full Value Protection, what documentation to prepare, and what to check before your belongings are loaded onto the truck.
What Is a High-Value Inventory Form?
A High-Value Inventory Form is a written record used to identify belongings with unusually high value relative to their weight before an interstate move.
Depending on the mover, it may be called:
High-Value Inventory
High-Value Article Declaration
Articles of Extraordinary Value Form
High-Value Item List
Declaration of High-Value Articles
Extraordinary Value Inventory
The title is less important than the purpose.
The document tells the mover:
which valuable items are included in the shipment;
what each item is;
its approximate or declared value;
where it appears on the shipment inventory;
whether special packing is needed;
whether additional documentation exists;
whether the item requires special handling.
The form also creates a written record showing that the carrier knew about the item before transportation.
That record can become extremely important if an item is lost or damaged.
Is a High-Value Inventory Form Federally Required?
There is an important distinction here.
Federal law does not prescribe one universal document officially titled “High-Value Inventory Form” that every mover must use.
What federal rules do require is written notification when qualifying articles of extraordinary value are included in a shipment under the circumstances described in 49 CFR § 375.203. If the customer properly notifies the mover in writing, potential recovery can extend up to the declared value of the article, subject to the declared value of the entire shipment and other applicable liability terms.
In practice, many movers solve this documentation requirement by providing their own high-value inventory or declaration form.
What matters most
Before pickup, make sure:
the mover has your declaration in writing;
each qualifying item is clearly identified;
the declared value is recorded;
the mover acknowledges the document;
the item can be connected to the regular shipment inventory;
you keep a copy.
Do not rely on telling the salesperson:
“We have some expensive stuff.”
That is not the same as a clear written declaration.
What Counts as a High-Value Item?
For federal interstate household-goods liability purposes, an article of extraordinary value generally means an item worth more than $100 per pound. FMCSA gives examples such as jewelry, china, and furs.
This is a value-to-weight test.
It is not simply:
Is the item expensive?
Instead, ask:
How much is the item worth for every pound it weighs?
Simple formula
Item value ÷ item weight = value per pound
If the result is more than $100 per pound, the item may qualify as an article of extraordinary value.
High-Value Item Examples
Here are some simplified examples:
Item | Approximate value | Approximate weight | Value per pound | Over $100/lb? |
Watch | $4,000 | 0.5 lb | $8,000/lb | Yes |
Camera lens | $2,400 | 3 lb | $800/lb | Yes |
Antique vase | $1,500 | 5 lb | $300/lb | Yes |
Collectible guitar | $6,000 | 10 lb | $600/lb | Yes |
Designer handbag | $3,000 | 4 lb | $750/lb | Yes |
Television | $2,000 | 45 lb | $44.44/lb | No |
Sofa | $4,000 | 180 lb | $22.22/lb | No |
Dining table | $5,000 | 200 lb | $25/lb | No |
Notice something important:
The $5,000 dining table is more expensive than the $1,500 vase.
But the vase is far more valuable per pound.
That is why you cannot identify high-value items by purchase price alone.
What Should You Declare on a High-Value Inventory Form?
Declare any item that may exceed the $100-per-pound threshold.
Common examples may include:
jewelry;
watches;
precious-metal items;
silverware;
fine china;
crystal;
antiques;
fine art;
sculptures;
collectible coins;
stamp collections;
collectible cards;
rare books;
designer handbags;
high-end cameras;
camera lenses;
musical instruments;
rare records;
collectible memorabilia;
specialty electronics;
luxury accessories;
fur garments;
handmade or rare rugs;
heirlooms with documented market value.
This is not an exhaustive list.
An ordinary-looking object can still qualify if its value-to-weight ratio exceeds the threshold.
High Value Does Not Mean the Mover Will Accept the Item
Declaring something does not automatically mean the carrier agrees to transport it.
Some movers restrict or refuse certain categories of property under their tariff or company policy.
Examples may include:
cash;
negotiable securities;
certain jewelry;
important documents;
irreplaceable collections;
firearms;
hazardous materials;
temperature-sensitive property;
certain extremely valuable items.
Ask the mover separately:
Is this item accepted for transportation?
and:
Does this item need to be declared as an article of extraordinary value?
Those are two different questions.
If an item is prohibited by the carrier, putting it on a High-Value Inventory Form does not make it acceptable.
High-Value Inventory Form vs Regular Moving Inventory
These documents serve different purposes.
Federal regulations require an interstate household-goods carrier to prepare a written itemized inventory identifying every carton and every uncartoned article in the shipment. The mover must provide the customer with a copy, and the inventory must be signed by both parties before or at loading. 49 CFR § 375.503 sets out these requirements.
Regular shipment inventory
The regular inventory answers:
What items did the mover receive?
It may identify:
cartons;
furniture;
appliances;
unboxed items;
inventory numbers;
existing damage;
item condition.
High-value declaration
The High-Value Inventory Form answers:
Which of those items require special disclosure because of their unusually high value?
For important items, the two documents should connect.
Example:
Regular inventory:
No. 117 — Framed artwork
High-value declaration:
Inventory No. 117 — Original oil painting — declared value $8,500
That connection makes the documentation much stronger.
High-Value Inventory Form and Full Value Protection
This is where the form matters most.
Under Full Value Protection, the mover generally assumes responsibility for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods, subject to the applicable terms and permitted limitations.
But FMCSA specifically warns that movers may limit their responsibility for articles of extraordinary value if the customer does not identify them on the shipping documents. FMCSA defines these items as those valued at more than $100 per pound. FMCSA’s Liability & Protection guidance explains this limitation.
Example
Imagine you own a camera lens worth $3,500.
It weighs approximately 4 pounds.
Value per pound:
$3,500 ÷ 4 = $875 per pound
It clearly exceeds the $100-per-pound threshold.
If you properly declare the lens in writing, you create evidence that the mover knew an article of extraordinary value was included in the shipment.
If you fail to disclose it, the mover may be permitted to limit liability under the applicable federal rule and tariff provisions.
High-Value Inventory Form and Released Value Protection
Released Value Protection is completely different.
Under Released Value, the mover’s liability is generally limited to $0.60 per pound per article.
FMCSA gives the example that a 25-pound television lost or destroyed under Released Value would result in liability of only $15:
25 pounds × $0.60 = $15
Released Value is offered without an additional charge, but the customer must affirmatively select it using the required documentation.
Example with a high-value item
Suppose a collectible camera weighs 3 pounds and is worth $2,000.
Under Released Value:
3 × $0.60 = $1.80
That illustrates why customers with valuable belongings should understand valuation selection before signing the Bill of Lading.
A High-Value Inventory Form does not turn Released Value into Full Value Protection.
The valuation option and the high-value declaration solve different problems.
Declaring high-value items does not replace your valuation selection. The amount and type of protection available after loss or damage still depend heavily on whether your shipment moves under Released Value Protection or Full Value Protection, while the high-value declaration helps identify articles of extraordinary value before transportation. To understand how these two liability options work and why the difference matters for expensive belongings, read:
High-Value Inventory Is Not Moving Insurance
Moving terminology can be confusing.
A High-Value Inventory Form does not itself purchase an insurance policy.
Similarly, Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection are federal contractual levels of mover liability, not traditional property insurance policies. FMCSA distinguishes valuation coverage from separate third-party insurance in its consumer guidance.
You may also have protection through:
homeowner’s insurance;
renter’s insurance;
specialty collectibles insurance;
jewelry insurance;
fine-art coverage;
third-party moving insurance.
Before the move, ask your insurer whether coverage continues:
in transit;
inside the moving truck;
in storage;
during loading;
during unloading;
while professionally packed;
while packed by the owner.
Do not assume coverage without checking.
Does Declaring a High-Value Item Guarantee Full Payment?
No.
Declaring the item is extremely important, but it does not mean the mover automatically writes a check for whatever amount you put on the form.
A claim may still require evidence of:
ownership;
condition before the move;
actual market or replacement value;
loss or damage;
repair cost;
valuation selection;
compliance with claim procedures;
applicable exclusions or tariff provisions.
Federal rules provide that when the customer gives written notice of a qualifying article, potential recovery may reach the declared value of the article, but not exceed the declared value of the entire shipment.
That is why realistic documentation matters.
Do not casually assign an unsupported value of $25,000 to something you could replace for $2,000.
How to Determine an Item’s Declared Value
Use evidence whenever possible.
Useful documentation may include:
purchase receipt;
recent appraisal;
professional valuation;
current replacement price;
dealer invoice;
auction records;
manufacturer documentation;
authenticated market listings;
insurance schedule;
prior appraisal report.
For newer items
Keep the purchase receipt and current replacement price.
For antiques
A professional appraisal may be more useful because original purchase price may have little relationship to current value.
For collectibles
Keep documentation showing:
exact model;
edition;
condition;
authenticity;
serial number;
comparable sales.
For artwork
Consider documenting:
artist;
title;
medium;
dimensions;
date;
provenance;
appraisal;
condition.
The more precisely the item is identified, the easier it is to distinguish it from an ordinary household object.
Photograph High-Value Items Before Packing
Take photographs before the mover handles the item.
Useful photographs include:
full front view;
back view;
sides;
close-ups;
serial number;
manufacturer label;
existing scratches;
existing chips;
frame condition;
hardware;
accessories;
packaging process.
For particularly valuable belongings, record a short video as well.
You are trying to document:
This is exactly what the item looked like before the move.
Photographs do not replace a written declaration, but they can make later condition disputes much easier to evaluate.
Photograph the Packing Process Too
If the mover professionally packs a high-value article, document how it is packed.
Take photos of:
item before wrapping;
protective material;
inner box;
custom crate;
final sealed package;
inventory sticker;
crate number.
If the item needs custom crating, ask whether the crate will be opened at destination by the moving crew, a specialty vendor, or you.
For expensive artwork, antiques, glass, stone, and unusual collectibles, packing quality may be as important as transportation.
High-Value Items Packed by the Owner
Owner-packed cartons create an additional documentation problem.
If you place expensive property inside a box and seal it yourself, the mover may not know exactly what was inside or what condition it was in before transportation.
FMCSA specifically warns customers that self-packing can make a damage claim more difficult to establish.
If you pack a high-value item yourself
Consider:
declaring the item in writing;
identifying its carton number;
photographing the item;
photographing the packing process;
retaining receipts and appraisals;
obtaining written acknowledgment from the mover;
asking whether professional packing is required for full liability.
Do not write only:
Box 42 — décor.
If the box contains a $4,000 collectible, document it clearly.
Items Inside Furniture Need Separate Attention
Customers sometimes place valuables inside:
dresser drawers;
cabinets;
desk drawers;
jewelry armoires;
safes;
storage benches;
toolboxes.
That creates unnecessary uncertainty.
Before loading, remove small high-value property from furniture unless the mover specifically approves the arrangement.
An inventory entry stating:
One dresser
does not establish that a valuable watch collection was inside the dresser.
High-value belongings should be individually documented.
Should Jewelry Go on the Moving Truck?
Usually, the safer practical choice is to keep small, extremely valuable items personally controlled when possible.
Examples include:
wedding rings;
watches;
loose gemstones;
small jewelry collections;
collectible coins;
small precious-metal items.
Even if a mover accepts these items, ask yourself whether putting a small, easily portable $15,000 item into a shipment with hundreds of boxes is necessary.
Check the carrier’s tariff and non-allowable list first.
If personal transport is practical and permitted, it may eliminate an unnecessary risk.
What About Cash and Important Documents?
Cash, passports, identification, deeds, checks, financial records, keys, and critical legal documents should generally remain with you rather than being treated as ordinary household goods.
A high-value declaration is not a substitute for common-sense custody.
Keep personally controlled:
cash;
passports;
Social Security cards;
birth certificates;
vehicle titles;
property deeds;
banking documents;
checkbooks;
medication;
essential keys;
irreplaceable legal records.
Some items are simply too important to become unavailable during a multi-day delivery window.
Fine Art and Antiques
Fine art and antiques deserve detailed documentation because value may depend heavily on authenticity, age, artist, condition, provenance, or rarity.
Before pickup
Record:
detailed description;
dimensions;
weight;
artist or maker;
approximate age;
serial or catalog number;
appraisal value;
condition;
existing restoration;
frame condition;
photographs.
Ask whether the mover recommends:
custom crating;
glass protection;
climate-sensitive handling;
specialty transportation;
third-party art handlers.
Do not assume a standard moving blanket is appropriate for every valuable object.
Musical Instruments
Some musical instruments easily exceed the $100-per-pound threshold.
Examples may include:
vintage guitars;
violins;
cellos;
rare brass instruments;
collectible amplifiers;
specialty keyboards.
A $12,000 guitar weighing 9 pounds has a value of more than $1,300 per pound.
Before transportation:
photograph it;
document serial numbers;
retain purchase records;
obtain an appraisal if appropriate;
confirm case requirements;
ask about temperature exposure;
declare the item in writing.
For rare instruments, ask whether specialty transportation makes more sense than standard household-goods service.
Cameras and Electronics
High-end cameras and lenses are easy to overlook because they may be stored inside ordinary-looking equipment bags.
Examples include:
professional camera bodies;
cinema cameras;
specialty lenses;
drones;
audio equipment;
high-end computer components.
Not every expensive electronic device qualifies.
Remember the value-per-pound rule.
A $2,500 television weighing 60 pounds is worth about $41.67 per pound.
A $2,500 camera lens weighing 3 pounds is worth about $833 per pound.
The lens clearly crosses the federal extraordinary-value threshold while the television does not.
China, Crystal and Silverware
These are classic examples of belongings where customers may underestimate total value.
A collection may contain:
discontinued china;
crystal;
sterling silver;
collectible serving pieces;
inherited tableware.
Document the collection carefully.
Instead of:
China — $5,000
a stronger record may identify:
manufacturer;
pattern;
number of pieces;
replacement value;
photographs;
packing carton numbers.
If individual pieces are especially valuable, identify them separately.
Collections Need Item-Level Documentation
Collections create special problems because a single label may hide substantial value.
Examples include:
coins;
stamps;
sports memorabilia;
trading cards;
rare books;
records;
watches;
figurines;
limited-edition items.
Do not rely on:
Collection — $20,000.
Where practical, create an attachment identifying the important items.
Useful collection fields
Include:
item name;
year;
edition;
manufacturer;
serial number;
grading information;
condition;
quantity;
individual value;
total collection value.
Keep your detailed master list separately from the moving paperwork as well.
Designer Clothing and Accessories
Some designer items can exceed $100 per pound even though customers do not think of them as traditional moving valuables.
Examples may include:
handbags;
watches;
shoes;
couture clothing;
limited-edition accessories.
A $6,000 handbag weighing 4 pounds equals:
$1,500 per pound
That is well above the threshold.
If these belongings are going on the moving truck, discuss them with the carrier before pickup.
High-Value Furniture Can Be Different
An expensive piece of furniture is not automatically an article of extraordinary value.
For example:
Custom dining table value: $8,000
Weight: 250 pounds
Value per pound:
$32
It does not cross the $100-per-pound threshold.
But it can still deserve:
detailed condition photos;
professional packing;
crating;
specialty handling;
valuation documentation.
The high-value threshold is a legal liability concept.
It should not be treated as the only measure of whether an item deserves careful protection.
How to Complete a High-Value Inventory Form
The mover’s form may look different, but the information should be specific enough to identify each declared article.
Include the item description
Avoid:
Painting
Better:
Original framed oil painting by [Artist], 36 × 48 inches
Add the inventory number
Connect the item to the regular moving inventory.
Example:
Inventory No. 143
State the declared value
Example:
Declared value: $7,500
Add identifying information
Where applicable:
serial number;
model number;
artist;
manufacturer;
collection number;
appraisal reference.
Note packing information
Example:
Custom wood crate prepared by mover
Attach supporting records when appropriate
You may attach:
appraisal;
receipt;
photographs;
valuation schedule;
itemized collection list.
Ask the mover how attachments should be referenced on the declaration.
Sample High-Value Item Declaration
A practical entry might look like this:
Item: Leica camera lens
Inventory number: 84
Model: APO-Summicron-M 50mm
Serial number: [Serial number]
Approximate weight: 0.7 lb
Declared value: $8,500
Packing: Original case inside professionally packed carton No. P-17
Documentation: Purchase receipt and dated photographs attached
Another example:
Item: Original framed painting
Inventory number: 132
Artist: [Artist]
Dimensions: 30 × 40 inches
Declared value: $12,000
Packing: Custom crate
Documentation: Appraisal dated [date] attached
The goal is clarity.
If someone reviews the documents months later, they should know exactly which item you declared.
When Should You Complete the High-Value Inventory Form?
Do not wait until the truck is already loaded.
Ideally, discuss high-value articles:
during the visual survey;
while reviewing valuation options;
before the final estimate;
before professional packing;
before the Bill of Lading is finalized;
before loading begins.
Federal rules focus on written notification of articles of extraordinary value. Handling the declaration before pickup creates a much cleaner record than trying to add items after a loss occurs.
Send an early list
You can tell the mover:
I have several items that may exceed $100 per pound in value. Please send me your procedure for declaring articles of extraordinary value and any High-Value Inventory Form you require.
That immediately puts the issue on record.
Review the Form Again on Moving Day
Even if you completed the declaration earlier, check it again before loading.
Confirm:
every high-value item is still moving;
no new item has been added;
values are correct;
inventory numbers match;
packing method is correct;
attachments are included;
mover acknowledgment is present;
you received a copy.
Do not sign a declaration that says:
No articles of extraordinary value
if that is not true.
Correct it before the shipment leaves.
What If You Add a Valuable Item at the Last Minute?
Tell the mover immediately.
Do not quietly place it inside an existing carton.
Ask the mover to update:
high-value declaration;
regular inventory;
packing records;
valuation documentation;
estimate if additional service is required.
If the mover will not accept the item, arrange another method of transportation.
A last-minute item still needs documentation.
Check the Regular Inventory Condition Notes
The high-value form documents value.
The regular shipment inventory documents existence and condition.
For valuable uncartoned items, review condition codes carefully.
If the mover writes:
scratched, chipped, damaged
and the item is actually in excellent condition, do not ignore it.
Ask for the entry to be corrected or write your disagreement on the inventory before signing.
Federal regulations require the mover to give the customer an opportunity to observe and verify the accuracy of the inventory and, at delivery, to note missing or damaged items in writing.
Serial Numbers Matter
Serial numbers can help prove that the damaged or missing item is the same one you declared.
Record serial numbers for:
cameras;
lenses;
watches;
instruments;
electronics;
collectibles with identifiers;
luxury goods with authentication numbers.
Photograph the serial number too.
Do not rely only on typing it manually.
One transposed digit can create unnecessary confusion.
Appraisals: When Are They Worth Getting?
Not every high-value item needs a professional appraisal.
But an appraisal can be useful when value is difficult to prove.
Consider one for:
fine art;
antiques;
rare jewelry;
collectible watches;
unusual instruments;
rare rugs;
valuable collections;
heirlooms with no purchase receipt.
An old receipt may not represent current market value.
Likewise, sentimental value does not automatically equal compensable market value.
An independent appraisal can provide a stronger basis for the declared amount.
Keep Copies Outside the Moving Shipment
Never place your only copy of the high-value documentation inside a box on the truck.
Keep with you:
High-Value Inventory Form;
inventory;
Bill of Lading;
valuation selection;
receipts;
appraisals;
photographs;
serial-number list;
insurer information.
Also keep secure digital backups.
If a shipment is lost, the documentation needed to prove the loss should not be inside the shipment.
What Happens If You Forget to Declare a High-Value Item?
This is the risk the federal rule is designed to address.
Under 49 CFR § 375.203, when household goods are released at a value above the minimum Released Value level, a mover may limit liability for an undisclosed article valued above $100 per pound to $100 per pound.
Example
Undeclared collectible:
Value: $8,000
Weight: 10 pounds
Actual value per pound:
$800
Potential liability limitation for the undisclosed extraordinary-value article:
10 × $100 = $1,000
That creates a potential $7,000 difference between the item’s declared market value and the liability ceiling permitted by the rule in the applicable circumstances.
This is why the declaration should not be treated as optional paperwork.
What If You Properly Declare the Item?
When the customer gives the mover written notice that an article worth more than $100 per pound is included, federal rules provide for recovery up to the declared value of the article, subject to the declared value of the entire shipment and other applicable liability provisions.
That does not remove the need to prove:
value;
loss;
damage;
ownership;
condition.
But it removes a major problem:
the mover claiming it was never told that the shipment contained an article of extraordinary value.
Declared Item Value vs Declared Shipment Value
These are connected.
Suppose you declare:
Original artwork: $20,000
But your overall shipment declaration or valuation documentation establishes a lower maximum that does not support that recovery.
The individual high-value declaration does not necessarily override the shipment’s overall declared value.
Federal rules explicitly state that recovery for a properly disclosed extraordinary-value article cannot exceed the declared value of the entire shipment.
Review the two documents together.
Do not treat the High-Value Inventory Form as a separate unlimited insurance policy.
What to Check With Full Value Protection
Before choosing Full Value Protection, ask:
What is the declared value of my shipment?
Is there a minimum valuation formula?
Is there a deductible?
How are articles of extraordinary value handled?
Do I need a separate High-Value Inventory Form?
Are appraisals required?
Is professional packing required?
Are certain categories excluded?
Are pair-and-set rules applicable?
How are antiques valued?
How are repairs handled?
Does storage change liability?
FMCSA recommends asking the mover for a written explanation of its Full Value Protection terms and any limitation involving articles of extraordinary value.
Does Professional Packing Affect High-Value Liability?
Packing and valuation are separate issues, but packing can become important in a claim.
An improperly packed fragile object may be damaged even when transportation itself is normal.
For high-value articles, ask:
Does the mover require professional packing?
Does a custom crate need to be built?
Can I use the original manufacturer box?
Will owner packing affect the claim?
Will a third-party specialty packer be used?
Who is responsible for unpacking?
Get any special requirement in writing.
Do not learn after a claim that the mover expected the item to be professionally packed.
What to Do at Delivery
Do not rush through inventory verification just because the crew is ready to leave.
Federal rules require the mover to give the customer an opportunity to verify the articles delivered and to make written notes about missing, damaged, or destroyed items.
For every high-value item
Check:
inventory number;
carton or crate;
exterior condition;
item condition;
missing components;
serial number where practical.
If damage is visible:
photograph it;
note it on the inventory or delivery paperwork;
tell the driver;
retain damaged packing;
keep your copy of the notation.
Do not sign an inaccurate statement that every item arrived in perfect condition.
Filing a Claim for a High-Value Item
If something is lost or damaged, notify the mover promptly and follow its written claims procedure.
FMCSA states that a customer generally has nine months after delivery to file a written loss or damage claim with an interstate mover.
A strong claim file may include:
written claim;
High-Value Inventory Form;
regular shipment inventory;
Bill of Lading;
valuation documentation;
purchase receipt;
appraisal;
photographs before moving;
photographs after delivery;
repair estimate;
replacement-price evidence;
packing documentation;
serial number;
delivery damage notation.
Do not send away your only original documents.
Keep copies.
High-Value Inventory Red Flags
Be cautious if the mover:
never asks about valuable items;
tells you high-value declarations do not matter;
cannot explain the $100-per-pound rule;
refuses to accept written notification;
will not provide a copy of your declaration;
asks you to sign that no high-value items exist when they do;
tells you Full Value Protection automatically covers every item regardless of disclosure;
cannot explain its valuation terms;
refuses to connect high-value articles to inventory numbers;
pressures you to sign incomplete paperwork;
tells you to “just put jewelry in a box”;
cannot explain how claims for valuable items are handled.
Good documentation protects the mover too.
A professional carrier should not object to clearly identifying valuable property.
Questions to Ask Your Mover Before Declaring High-Value Items
Ask:
How do you define an article of extraordinary value?
Do you use a High-Value Inventory Form?
When must I submit it?
Which items should be listed?
Do you require declared values?
Do you require receipts?
When is an appraisal required?
Do you require professional packing?
Can I pack high-value items myself?
Are any categories excluded?
Are there maximum-value restrictions?
How does Full Value Protection apply?
How does Released Value apply?
How does the declared shipment value affect recovery?
Do you require serial numbers?
Will I receive a signed copy?
How are high-value items recorded on the regular inventory?
Does storage change the liability rules?
What is the claims process?
Get answers before pickup.
FAQ About the High-Value Inventory Form
What is a High-Value Inventory Form?
A High-Value Inventory Form is a mover-provided declaration used to identify articles with unusually high value before transportation. For federal interstate liability purposes, articles worth more than $100 per pound are considered articles of extraordinary value.
Is there one official federal High-Value Inventory Form?
No single standardized federal document with that exact title is mandated for every carrier. Federal regulations focus on written notification of qualifying articles, while individual movers may use their own declaration forms.
What counts as a high-value item in interstate moving?
For this federal liability rule, an article generally qualifies when its value exceeds $100 per pound.
Is an item high value if it costs more than $100?
Not necessarily.
The threshold is more than $100 per pound, not merely a purchase price above $100.
A $5,000 sofa weighing 200 pounds is worth $25 per pound and would not cross this particular threshold.
Do I need to declare jewelry?
If the mover accepts the jewelry and it exceeds the $100-per-pound threshold, it should be disclosed in writing. However, small and extremely valuable belongings may be safer to keep personally controlled when permitted by the mover’s policies.
Does Full Value Protection automatically cover undeclared expensive items?
FMCSA states that movers may limit responsibility for articles of extraordinary value unless those items are specifically listed on the shipping documents.
Does listing an item guarantee payment of its declared value?
No.
The declaration helps preserve your ability to pursue recovery under the applicable liability terms, but a claim may still require proof of ownership, condition, value, and loss or damage.
Is the regular moving inventory enough?
Not necessarily for an article of extraordinary value.
The regular inventory proves that an article or carton was part of the shipment. The high-value declaration provides written notice of its unusually high value.
Should I declare expensive electronics?
Calculate their approximate value per pound.
Some cameras, lenses, specialty electronics, and computer components may exceed the threshold. Large televisions and heavy electronics often do not despite having a high purchase price.
What happens if I forget to declare an item?
Under applicable federal rules, the mover may be permitted to limit liability for an undisclosed article worth more than $100 per pound to $100 per pound under the circumstances described in § 375.203.
Final High-Value Inventory Checklist
Before your interstate move, confirm:
every potential high-value item identified;
value-per-pound calculation reviewed;
mover accepts the item;
High-Value Inventory Form requested;
written declaration completed;
declared value recorded;
inventory number recorded;
serial number recorded where applicable;
purchase receipts saved;
appraisals obtained where appropriate;
pre-move photographs taken;
condition documented;
packing method confirmed;
custom crating arranged where needed;
owner-packed items documented;
regular inventory matches the declaration;
valuation option reviewed;
total shipment declared value reviewed;
mover acknowledgment obtained;
signed copy retained;
digital backup created;
original documents kept outside the shipment.
A High-Value Inventory Form may look like one more piece of moving paperwork, but it can become one of the most important documents in the shipment when something valuable is lost or damaged.
Do not decide what to declare based only on the item’s purchase price. Calculate its approximate value per pound, identify articles exceeding the $100-per-pound threshold, disclose them to the mover in writing, connect them to the regular inventory, and keep evidence of their value and condition.
The best time to prove that a valuable item was part of your shipment is before the truck leaves — not after the item is missing.
Related Interstate Moving Guides
Moving Company Inventory List: What It Is and Why It Protects You
Interstate Moving Insurance vs Valuation: What’s the Difference?
Packed by Owner Boxes: How They Affect Damage Claims and Mover Liability
Moving Claims Process: How to File a Damage Claim After an Interstate Move
Bill of Lading for Interstate Moving: What Customers Must Check Before Signing
Author:
Written by: Arthur Brooks — Owner & Operations Manager
Interstate moving, storage & claims operations expert
Just Movers / BY Logistic LLC
Dallas, TX • Miami, FL
