If a fire, flood, break-in or storm hits your home, your insurance company will ask what you lost and what it was worth. Trying to remember everything you own while dealing with a disaster is hard. A home inventory made ahead of time gives you a list to work from, and it helps you check whether your coverage is high enough. It takes an afternoon or two, and you only have to build it once.
1. Pick a format you will actually keep up
A spreadsheet works well because you can sort by room, total the values and update it easily. Pair it with photos or a short video on your phone. Whatever you choose, keep a copy outside your home, such as in cloud storage or with a trusted relative.
2. Go room by room
Start in one room and move clockwise. Open closets, drawers and cabinets. Do not forget the garage, basement, attic, shed and storage units. For each item, record:
- Room and category (electronics, furniture, jewelry, tools)
- Item description, brand and model
- Serial number for electronics and appliances
- When and where you bought it, and what you paid
- An estimated replacement value
- Whether you have a photo and a receipt
3. Take photos and video
Photograph each room from a few angles, then close-ups of valuable items and serial number labels. A slow video walk-through, describing items out loud, is a fast way to capture a lot. Open closets and drawers on camera.
4. Save receipts and proof
Keep receipts, appraisals and warranty papers for big purchases. Many receipts are already in your email; save copies in one folder. For jewelry, art or collectibles, an appraisal may be needed, and some policies limit coverage for these items unless they are listed separately. Ask your agent.
5. Estimate values honestly
Use what it would cost to replace the item today, based on current prices for something similar. Note what you paid too. Whether your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value (which subtracts for age and wear) makes a big difference, so read your policy or ask your agent.
6. Compare totals to your coverage
Add up the values. If your total is close to or above the personal property limit on your homeowners or renters policy, talk to your agent about whether to raise it. Many renters skip insurance because they think their things are not worth much; an inventory often shows otherwise.
7. Store it safely and update it
Keep a copy off-site. Update the inventory once a year and after big purchases, gifts or a move. Holiday gifts are a good reminder to update in January.
Tips that save time
- Start with the expensive stuff. Electronics, jewelry, furniture, appliances and tools make up most of the value. You can add smaller items later.
- Group small items. You do not need to list every fork. A line like "kitchen dishes and utensils, about $400" is often enough; ask your insurer what they need.
- Use your email. Search your inbox for order confirmations to fill in prices and dates quickly.
- Photograph serial labels. Model and serial numbers help prove ownership and can help police if items are stolen.
- Do one room a week. If the whole house feels like too much, a room a week gets it done in a month or two.
Renters need one too
A renters policy covers your belongings, not the building, and a fire or burst pipe in another unit can damage your things. Renters often own more than they think once electronics, clothes and furniture are added up.
When you need to file a claim
Contact your insurer as soon as it is safe, take photos of the damage before cleaning up, and keep damaged items until the adjuster says you can throw them out. Your inventory gives you a list to share, and your receipts and photos back it up. Keep notes of every call, with dates and names.
Home inventory checklist
- ☐ Choose a spreadsheet or app and a photo folder
- ☐ Go room by room, including garage, basement, attic and storage
- ☐ Record item, brand, model and serial number
- ☐ Note purchase date, price and replacement value
- ☐ Photograph every room and valuable item
- ☐ Save receipts, appraisals and warranties
- ☐ Total the values and compare to your policy limit
- ☐ Ask your agent about high-value items and replacement cost
- ☐ Store a copy outside your home
- ☐ Set a yearly reminder to update
This is general information, not insurance advice. Coverage rules vary by company and policy, so check yours.