Do I Need A Home Inventory

Many clients ask if they need a home inventory. As a homeowner, you either have or will likely invest significant time and money into furnishing and decorating your home with valuable items. Unfortunately, unexpected events like natural disasters or burglaries can result in the loss or damage of these belongings.

 

Creating a home inventory is essential.

It’s essential to document everything you own. This can help ensure that you’re adequately insured and can help speed up the recovery process if the worst were to happen. Here’s how to construct a home inventory.

First, gather your supplies. You’ll need a camera, a notebook, and a computer or storage device to keep track of your inventory.

Next, start in one room of your house and systematically go through all your belongings, one item at a time, focusing on the more expensive items. Take a photo of each item and make a note of its make and model, serial number (if applicable), and the date and location of purchase. Don’t forget to include the item’s purchase price or current value.

The image and description of each item on your home inventory should be on a medium if you’re using video.  It’s helpful to have someone assist so that one person can shoot the video while the other holds and describes the object.

It’s important to be as detailed as possible when creating your home inventory. This means opening drawers, cabinets, and closets to take photos of everything inside. Be sure to take photos of any valuable items that may not be stored in your home, such as jewelry or collectibles.

Once you’ve completed your home inventory, store it in a safe place

How you securely store it is just as important; it could be a secure digital file or a physical copy kept in a safe or off-site location. Experts suggest having both.

A home inventory can make the claims process more manageable and less stressful. It can also help ensure that you’re adequately insured and can help you recover quickly from a loss. In the case of theft or burglary, this kind of detailed report can be helpful to the police in recovering your property.  So, take the time to create a home inventory and protect your belongings today.

Download this Home Inventory guide to help you with the process.