Create A Home Inventory List

Keeping track of all your stuff can be a tedious process. However, the time that you take now to assess and organize your home inventory will be so valuable if you suffer water damage or another disaster in the home. Having that comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble and stress in case if you need to make a homeowners or renters insurance claim. Having a detailed inventory with pictures and values of your belongings will make the claims process much easier and faster.

If you own your house, your homeowner’s insurance typically protects your belongings if destroyed by a covered peril. Renters need to buy their own policy, separate from the landlord’s policy on the building. Having an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.  

The Right Time Is Now

Starting a home inventory can seem daunting. The important thing is to get something recorded; you can always add on later.

Pick an easily contained area to start: your small kitchen appliance cabinet, your sporting equipment closet, your garden tools or your handbag shelf. Choose oldest to newest (or vice versa– just make a pattern). Describe each item you record, and note where you bought it, the model, what you paid and any other detail that might help in the event you need to make a claim. Record serial numbers found on the back or bottom of major appliances and electronic equipment. Keep proof of value: store sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals.

Use The Technology That You Already Have

A simple pencil and paper will suffice, but technology can make creating a home inventory much easier. So take pictures; create a photo record. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets or drawers. Label your photos with whatever information might be important to replacing or getting reimbursed for the item. Make a file on your smartphone or digital camera, store a photo of any receipts or documentation in the same place.

Or videotape and narrate; walk through your house or apartment with your video camera or phone and describe the contents. Use descriptors to define the brand, size, quality and year of purchase.

There’s An App For That

Quite a few home inventory apps offer a variety of features, including the ability to add photos, sort the items by room, or even store items on the cloud for simpler access. Check out reviews to decide which is best for you based on your needs;  how multifunctional or detailed does your inventory need to be?

A home inventory app can even calculate the total value of your assets, which could be a lifesaver if ever you need to replace your personal property after a loss.

(Note that some of these apps are only compatible with select operating systems.)

Now Keep Your List Safe!

Your home inventory is only useful if it’s accurate and you can access it to provide information to your insurance company in case of fire, theft or other destructive disasters. Regardless of the type of method you’ve used to create your list, keep it backed up and in a safe place. Make it a habit to add significant new purchases to your list while the details are fresh in your mind.

Store a copy of your paper inventory outside the home in a safe deposit box or relative’s home. Backup digital files; keep a copy on an external drive or online storage account that remembers your password for you. Understand your app and practice accessing the information now– before you need it.

24-Hour Emergency Service

Whether you have prepared a plan or not, water damage will come when you least expect it. But when it does, your Restoration 1 team is ready to jump in and solve your problems. You cannot wait until morning because the damage will just get worse. Restoration 1 of McDonough is available 24/7 to handle emergency damage at (770) 468-0400.