It can be difficult to recall everything you own when you are in a hurry. We accumulate a lot over the years. It is difficult to recall everything you own in an emergency. An inventory of your home can save you time and help you get through an emergency. An inventory will provide easy proof of ownership to your renters or home insurance so that you can begin to restore your belongings and life back to normal.
A fire, for example, can result in severe damage due to the flooding and smoke damage. The amount and type of insurance you need can be determined by your home inventory. You can also file an insurance claim to confirm any losses.
How to begin your home inventory
This simple step-by-step guide will help you get started with your home inventory.
- It can be overwhelming to find a place where it is easy to begin. This is especially true if you have more stuff. To make the process easier, you can choose a small, enclosed space such as a closet.
- File recent purchases.
You don’t have to go through the entire closet if you feel overwhelmed. Instead, look at your most recent purchases. - Begin with the basics.
You should provide basic information about each item in your home inventory. This includes a description of the item and the price. - Photographs are encouraged.
To make it easy to find the item, take photos with your smartphone or digital camera whenever possible. A cloud storage program is a great way to store and catalog photos. - Serial numbers for documents.
As a reference point, additional details such as serial numbers or product numbers can be helpful. These details should be included in your home inventory whenever possible. - Categorize your belongings.
To simplify and condense your belongings when recording them, you can use categories. Instead of listing every pair of shoes you own, add “7 pairs” to the list. - Keep receipts.
You may be asked by your insurance company to prove purchase. Keep and file all sales receipts, purchase orders, and appraisals. - Confirm high-value coverage
You should not forget to note any items that are extremely valuable. These items should be discussed with your agent in order to make sure you get the insurance you need. - Keep updating as necessary.
You should update your inventory as you add new items and purchases to your collection.
Do not let yourself become discouraged during the process. It will take time to complete the initial inventory. If you start to feel overwhelmed, you can take a break and re-enter later when you are more refreshed.
These items should be added to your home inventory.
It is possible to lose sight of what you have. Your home inventory can be affected by easily forgotten items. These are just a few of the items that most people overlook in their home inventory.
- Electronics: Not only does your TV have to be included, but also other entertainment accessories. Include any sound systems, speakers, or gaming systems in your shopping list. Small electronics are also important.
- Items in storage: Make sure to account for items in off-site storage. You may be able to get coverage for certain items stored in your homeowners insurance policy. However, you should discuss with your agent whether additional insurance is required.
- Furnishings: You should have a complete inventory of your curtains, blinds and rugs. They not only make your home look beautiful but can also be very expensive to replace.
- Cell phones: It can be expensive to replace today’s cell phones. Make sure you add any house phones or cell phones to your home inventory.
- Music instruments: While a piano might be the obvious item in your inventory, other instruments should also be included.
- Appliances: These are some of the most costly items in your home. It is important to have items like your dishwasher, stove, fridge, microwave, and microwave in your home.
Easy way to organize your home inventory
You have many options to help you make your home inventory more manageable. You can still write down everything, but you run the risk of losing your inventory and belongings in an emergency like a fire or flood. A digital home inventory could be faster, more secure and easier to create.
It is easy to maintain and create your home inventory by filling out the home inventory sheet and saving it in a cloud.
Technology and apps for home inventory
Many apps are available to help you build your home inventory thanks to today’s digital age. These are the top apps for 2021 that can help you organize your items by category.
Hire help
Professionals can help you if you are feeling overwhelmed or don’t have enough time to complete your home inventory. Many professional home inventory specialists are available to help you with your home inventory.
For tips on how to find the right professional for your home inventory, you can visit the National Association of Home Inventory Professionals. Look for reviews from clients and ask your provider questions about the process or how they can best tailor their services to you.
Questions frequently asked
What are the benefits of creating a home inventory?
The home inventory is not only a record of your property for renters or homeowners insurance, but can also be used to document losses and determine the amount of homeowners or renters’ insurance you should purchase.
What is the cost of a home inventory?
Depending on your time and resources, you can create a home inventory free of charge. You can use several apps to help you, or hire a professional to manage all the details.
How do I make my home inventory stress-free?
It can be difficult to build a home inventory. However, a step-by–step approach can simplify the process. This home inventory worksheet will help you begin your inventory and keep it updated over time.