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How To Create a Home Inventory for Homeowner's Ins. 

Creating a home inventory is a crucial step in protecting yourself in case of theft, fire, or other disasters. It helps you:

  • File insurance claims faster

  • Get reimbursed accurately

  • Verify losses for taxes or emergency relief

  • Prove ownership

Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing a home inventory for insurance purposes:

📝 1. Choose a Format

You can document your inventory in several ways:

  • App or software (e.g., Sortly, Encircle, HomeZada)

  • Spreadsheet (Excel, Google Sheets)

  • Paper checklist

  • Video or photo walk-through (paired with notes)

Tip: Back it up! Store it in the cloud or an external drive, and/or email it to yourself.

🛋️ 2. Go Room by Room

Break your home down into sections:

  • Living room

  • Kitchen

  • Bedrooms

  • Bathrooms

  • Basement/attic

  • Garage/shed

  • Closets/storage

In each room, document everything of value.

📋 3. Record Key Details

For each item, include:

  • Item name

  • Description

  • Brand & model

  • Serial number (if applicable)

  • Purchase date

  • Purchase price

  • Estimated current value

  • Receipts or proof of purchase (if available)

  • Photos or video of the item

Example:

Item

Description

Brand/Model

Serial #

Purchase Date

Value

Receipt/Photo

TV

55" 4K LED Smart TV

Samsung Q60

QN55Q60TAFXZA

Mar 2023

$600

📎 Attached

Sofa

Leather 3-seater

IKEA Sofa

Jan 2022

$800

📎 Attached

📸 4. Take Photos or Video

  • Photo inventory: Photograph each item and its serial number or label.

  • Video inventory: Slowly walk through each room, narrating what you see (brand, cost, etc.).

📦 5. Don’t Forget Storage Areas

Include:

  • Jewelry

  • Tools

  • Sports equipment

  • Electronics

  • Designer clothing

  • Collectibles or art

  • Documents (passports, titles, etc.)

☁️ 6. Store It Safely

  • Upload to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)

  • Email to yourself and a trusted person

  • Save on USB or external drive in a fireproof safe

  • Use your insurance provider’s digital vault or app if offered

🔁 7. Update Regularly

  • Annually (or more often if you acquire big-ticket items)

  • After major purchases, upgrades, or renovations

✅ Final Tips

  • Check your policy: Some high-value items (jewelry, art) may need extra coverage.

  • Use your insurer’s tools: Many companies offer apps or forms to help with inventories.

  • Be honest: Don’t overestimate—your insurer may check values during a claim.

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