Why Every Homeowner Needs a Home Inventory (And How to Make One)

Imagine your home is damaged by a fire or flood. The adjuster asks you to list everything that was destroyed. Could you remember it all? Most people can't—and that's where a home inventory saves the day.

What Is a Home Inventory?

It's simply a detailed list of your belongings, ideally with photos, receipts, and estimated values. It sounds tedious, but it's one of the most valuable things you can do as a homeowner.

Why It Matters for Claims

When you file a claim, you need to prove what you lost. Without documentation, you might forget items entirely or struggle to prove their value. A good inventory means:

• **Faster claims processing** - You have everything documented
• **Fair settlements** - You can prove what items were worth
• **Less stress** - You're not trying to remember everything during a crisis

How to Create Your Inventory

Start with a video walkthrough. Walk through each room with your phone, narrating as you go. Open closets, cabinets, and drawers. This takes 30 minutes and captures most of what you own.

For valuable items, go deeper:

• Take individual photos
• Note the brand, model, and serial number
• Keep receipts or appraisals
• Record approximate purchase date and price

Don't forget:

• Garage and outdoor items
• Seasonal decorations in storage
• Tools and equipment
• Clothing (a rough count by category is fine)

Where to Store It

Keep your inventory somewhere safe—ideally not just in your home. Options include:

• Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
• Email it to yourself
• Give a copy to a family member
• Keep a copy in a safe deposit box

Update It Annually

Set a calendar reminder to update your inventory once a year, or whenever you make a major purchase. It only takes a few minutes to stay current.

Need help figuring out if you have enough coverage for your belongings? That's exactly what we're here for. Bring us your inventory and we'll make sure your policy matches your reality.