Photographing serial numbers and high-value items before a move is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect your belongings. Clear, well-organized photos act as proof of ownership, document the condition of your items, and make any potential insurance or damage claims dramatically easier and faster to resolve.
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Whether you’re hiring professionals or handling a DIY move, taking 30–60 minutes to create a visual record of your valuables can save you weeks of stress later. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to photograph serial numbers and high-value items the right way—what angles to capture, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to store your images so they’re easy to find if you ever need them.
Understanding What Needs to Be Photographed Before Moving
Not every single possession needs a detailed photo session. Focus your time and energy on items that are:
- High-value – electronics, jewelry, luxury accessories, artwork, collectibles
- Hard to replace – family heirlooms, unique items, custom pieces
- Prone to damage – glass furniture, TVs, computers, instruments
- Common theft targets – gaming consoles, laptops, tablets, cameras
Examples of Items You Should Definitely Photograph
- TVs, game consoles, sound systems, home theater components
- Laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches
- High-end kitchen appliances (espresso machines, mixers, blenders)
- Watches, jewelry, designer handbags, shoes, accessories
- Cameras, lenses, drones, and related gear
- Artwork, sculptures, antiques, and rare collectibles
- Musical instruments and professional equipment
For each of these items, you’ll want to capture both the serial number (if present) and overall condition before your moving day.
Essential Tools for Photographing Serial Numbers & Valuables
You don’t need professional photography gear to create solid documentation. Most modern smartphones are more than sufficient—as long as you use them correctly.
Recommended Gear
- Smartphone with a good camera – iPhone or Android from the last 4–5 years
- Optional: DSLR or mirrorless camera – helpful for very small serial numbers
- Stable light source – bright window light or a lamp with a white shade
- Small flashlight – for dark corners on the back of electronics or under furniture
- Microfiber cloth – to wipe dust or fingerprints off glossy surfaces
- Notepad or sticky notes – to label items in photos if needed
Basic Camera Settings to Use
On a smartphone:
- Turn on HDR (helps with contrast and glare)
- Set the camera to Photo mode (not Portrait) for flatter, more accurate shots
- Enable the grid in camera settings to help keep lines straight
- Tap on the serial number or item on screen to focus and adjust exposure
On a digital camera:
- Use Aperture Priority (A/Av) with aperture around f/5.6–f/8 for sharpness
- Set ISO to 100–400 in good light to avoid grain
- Use auto white balance unless you know how to adjust it
How to Photograph Serial Numbers Clearly (Step by Step)
Serial numbers are often small, reflective, and hidden in awkward spots. Good technique matters. Follow these steps to get readable, usable images.
1. Locate the Serial Number
Common places to check:
- Electronics: back panel, bottom, inside battery compartment, or near power input
- Appliances: behind doors, on the side panel, or on the back
- Watches & jewelry: case back, clasp, or inside band
- Instruments: inside the sound hole, back plate, or near the neck joint
2. Clean the Area Lightly
Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe dust or fingerprints from the area around the serial number. This prevents glare and improves legibility.
3. Use Proper Lighting
Good lighting is the key to readable serial number photos:
- Use soft, indirect light from a window whenever possible
- If you use a lamp, aim it so it doesn’t create harsh reflections on shiny surfaces
- On glossy metal or glass, try moving the light or your camera slightly to avoid glare
- Use a flashlight at an angle (not straight on) to bring out engraved or faint serials
4. Get Close, But Keep It Sharp
Position your camera close enough that the serial number fills much of the frame, but not so close that the camera can’t focus.
- Slowly move the camera closer until the serial starts to blur, then back up slightly
- Tap the screen where the serial number appears to lock focus
- Hold your breath a moment and keep your hands steady while pressing the shutter
5. Take Multiple Angles
Don’t rely on a single shot. Take:
- One close-up where the serial number is clearly readable
- One wider shot showing the serial number plate in context on the item
- Optionally: a third shot from a slightly different angle to reduce glare
6. Check Legibility Immediately
Zoom in on your photo right after taking it:
- Ensure each character is sharp and distinguishable
- Retake the shot if any characters look fuzzy, blown out, or lost in glare
7. Label or Organize the Photos
To easily match serial numbers with items later:
- Take a photo of the whole item immediately before or after the serial close-up
- Optionally, place a sticky note with the item name in the wider shot (“Living Room TV”, “Gaming PC”, etc.)
Photographing High-Value Items: Capturing Condition & Details
With valuables, you’re not just documenting that an item exists—you’re proving its condition before the move. Insurers and moving companies respond much faster when you have clear, time-stamped photos that show there were no cracks, dents, or damage beforehand.
Key Photos to Capture for Each High-Value Item
- Full item front view – shows overall shape, design, and visible condition
- Back and sides – catches any existing scratches or marks (and proves they weren’t caused during the move)
- Close-ups of special features – logos, model numbers, unique details, customization
- Close-ups of any pre-existing damage – small scratches or wear, to avoid disputes later
- Serial number or hallmark – connects the physical item to your proof of ownership
Tips for Photographing Specific Types of Valuables
Electronics (TVs, Consoles, Laptops)
- Turn the item off to avoid screen reflections overpowering the image
- Use a clean, plain background if possible, such as a wall or solid table
- Photograph ports and connections – this can also help with re-setup later
- Show the screen condition clearly (no scratches, cracks, or dead spots)
Jewelry & Watches
- Place items on a neutral surface with good contrast (white, gray, or black)
- Use soft, diffused light to avoid harsh reflections on metal and gemstones
- Focus on hallmarks, engravings, and serials on clasps or case backs
- Photograph from multiple angles to show the piece fully (top, side, clasp)
Artwork & Collectibles
- Capture the piece straight on (not tilted) to show true proportions
- Photograph the back, frame, or base, including any labels or signatures
- Include close-ups of signatures or numbered editions
- Take at least one photo that shows the item in your home (for context and scale)
Furniture & Large Items
- Walk around the item and photograph it from all four sides
- Get close-ups of corners, legs, glass surfaces, and joints
- Document any existing chips or scratches clearly
- For antique or high-value pieces, try to include maker’s marks or stamps
Organizing Your Photos for Easy Access Later
Photos only help if you can actually find them quickly when you need them. A simple, consistent system makes a huge difference—especially during the chaos of moving.
Create a Dedicated Folder System
On your phone or computer, create a main folder such as:
- “Move – Home Inventory 2025” (or your move year)
Inside that folder, create subfolders by category or room:
- “Electronics”
- “Jewelry & Watches”
- “Artwork & Collectibles”
- “Furniture – Living Room”
- “Furniture – Bedroom”
Use Clear File Names
Rename important photos so you can identify them at a glance. For example:
| Item | Recommended File Name |
|---|---|
| 65” Samsung TV serial | 2025-03-15_samsung_tv_livingroom_serial.jpg |
| MacBook Pro condition | 2025-03-15_macbookpro_top_bottom_sides.jpg |
| Engagement ring details | 2025-03-15_engagement_ring_closeup_serial.jpg |
| Framed painting | 2025-03-15_painting_front_back_signature.jpg |
Back Up Your Photos
At least two of the following is ideal:
- Cloud backup – Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox
- External drive – USB drive or portable SSD
- Shared folder – give access to a trusted family member
This way, even if your phone gets lost or damaged during the move, your proof of ownership is safe.
Pairing Photos with Receipts & Appraisals
For high-value items, photos are even more powerful when combined with documentation like receipts or appraisals.
What to Gather
- Purchase receipts or order confirmations (email screenshots are fine)
- Appraisals for jewelry, artwork, or antiques
- Warranty cards or registration emails showing the serial number
How to Combine Visual & Written Proof
- Take a photo of the item next to its receipt or appraisal (just keep sensitive information like full credit card numbers hidden)
- Save digital receipts in the same folder as your photos, with matching names
- Consider creating a simple spreadsheet inventory listing:
- Item name
- Serial number
- Approximate value
- Folder/file where photos are stored
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Photographing Serial Numbers & Valuables
A few simple pitfalls can make your photos less useful. Watch out for these issues:
1. Blurry Close-Ups
Blurry serial numbers are extremely common. To avoid this:
- Give the camera a second to focus after you tap the screen
- Brace your elbows against your body or a table for stability
- Take two or three shots of each serial number just in case
2. Glare and Reflections
Shiny surfaces can reflect lights, windows, and even your own face onto the serial label.
- Shift your position slightly left or right until reflections disappear
- Use indirect light rather than shining a light straight on the label
- Turn off overhead lights or move away from bright windows when needed
3. Missing Context Shots
Only having a close-up of a serial plate can cause confusion later.
- Always capture a wider photo showing the serial number on the actual item
- Include at least one photo of the entire item in its pre-move location
4. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Trying to shoot everything the night before your move leads to rushed, low-quality photos.
- Start taking these photos 1–2 weeks before moving day
- Do one room at a time so you don’t get overwhelmed
5. Not Telling Your Movers About High-Value Items
Even with great photos, you should still communicate clearly with your moving company:
- Point out high-value and fragile items during the pre-move walkthrough
- Ask about valuation coverage options for expensive belongings
- Include notes and item values in your written inventory
How Quality Movers Work with Your Photo Documentation
When you work with a reputable moving company, your photo documentation becomes a powerful partner to their professional process. Companies like United Local Movers encourage customers to photograph serial numbers and valuables in advance. This ensures everyone is on the same page about what’s being moved and in what condition.
What Professional Movers Appreciate About Your Photos
- Clear expectations: Photos show existing condition, helping avoid misunderstandings.
- Efficient problem-solving: If something is lost or damaged, photos speed up resolution.
- Better planning: Movers can anticipate which items need extra padding, crating, or special handling.
When you prepare properly and work with a trusted team, your move becomes safer, smoother, and far less stressful.
Step-by-Step Checklist: Photographing Items Before Moving Day
Use this quick checklist to stay organized and make sure nothing important is missed.
| Step | Action | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create main folder “Move – Home Inventory [Year]” | [ ] |
| 2 | Make subfolders by category or room (Electronics, Jewelry, Artwork, etc.) | [ ] |
| 3 | Walk through home and list all high-value items | [ ] |
| 4 | For each item, photograph:
|
[ ] |
| 5 | Locate and photograph serial numbers (close-up + context shot) | [ ] |
| 6 | Gather and photograph receipts/appraisals with each item | [ ] |
| 7 | Rename and organize photos into appropriate folders | [ ] |
| 8 | Back up photos to cloud and/or external drive | [ ] |
| 9 | Share key folders with a trusted family member | [ ] |
| 10 | Inform movers about high-value items and where they’re located | [ ] |
When to Go Beyond Photos: Extra Protection for Very High-Value Items
For particularly expensive or irreplaceable belongings, photos—while essential—may not be enough on their own. Consider extra layers of protection.
Specialized Crating & Packing
- Ask your movers about custom crates for artwork, glass tables, or delicate instruments
- Use double boxing for electronics and smaller high-value items
- Label boxes clearly as “FRAGILE – THIS SIDE UP” when appropriate (but avoid advertising “expensive” on the exterior)
Enhanced Valuation or Insurance Coverage
- Review your homeowners or renters insurance policy before moving
- Ask your moving company about full value protection options
- Consider separate coverage for jewelry, artwork, or collections
Carrying Certain Items Yourself
Some items are best kept with you instead of in the moving truck:
- Fine jewelry and watches
- Passports, birth certificates, and important documents
- Smaller electronics like laptops, cameras, and tablets
- Sentimental items that can’t be replaced
Bringing It All Together for a Safer, Smarter Move
Photographing serial numbers and high-value items isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about giving yourself peace of mind. A small investment of time now can protect thousands of dollars in belongings later, and dramatically simplify any conversations with movers, insurers, or law enforcement if something does go wrong.
When you pair clear, well-organized photos with a professional moving company that values communication and care, your belongings are in the best possible hands. If you’re planning a move and want experienced professionals who respect the importance of your valuables and your documentation, reach out to United Local Movers for friendly guidance and a customized moving plan.
