Inventory by bay, not by reel
Photograph each bay, note the dominant constructions and estimate reel counts. A perfect manifest costs days a closure does not have.
Separate three streams
Full tagged reels, partial reels with footage, and cut-offs. The first stream prices best and can move immediately; the third is weighed.
Book collection early
Carriers and buyers are busier at month end. Agree dates before the last week, especially where a dock is shared or a liftgate is needed.
Leave the paperwork accessible
Purchase records and drum deposits often sit in the office rather than the warehouse. Retrieve them before the office is packed.