Why a home inventory matters
After a fire, theft or storm, it's hard to remember everything you owned, let alone what it cost. An inventory gives you a ready list to support a claim. It can also show whether your personal property coverage is enough to replace your belongings.
How to get started
- Pick one room and finish it before moving on
- Record a slow video, opening closets, drawers and cabinets
- Take close-up photos of serial numbers and labels
- Note what each item is, roughly when you bought it and what it cost
- Save receipts, manuals and appraisals in the same place
Room-by-room checklist
- Living room: TV and electronics, furniture, rugs, art, books and media
- Kitchen: appliances, small appliances, cookware, dishes and silverware
- Bedrooms: furniture, clothing, shoes, jewelry and watches
- Home office: computers, printers, monitors and phones
- Bathrooms: linens, towels and personal care devices
- Garage: tools, lawn equipment, bikes and sports gear
- Basement and attic: stored items, holiday decor and seasonal clothing
Details that help a claim
The more specific your records, the smoother a claim tends to go. For larger items, note the brand, model and serial number, the purchase date and price, and keep the receipt if you can. For jewelry, art and collectibles, an appraisal helps show value.
Where to keep it
Keep your inventory where a loss at home won't destroy it. Cloud storage, an email to yourself or a copy with a trusted relative all work. Many people also use an inventory app. Whatever you choose, make sure you can get to it from your phone.
Check your coverage while you're at it
Once you see your total, compare it with the personal property limit on your policy. Ask whether your policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value, and whether high-value items like jewelry have lower limits. Your agent can suggest added coverage, often called scheduling, for items above those limits.
CapCenter's in-house insurance agency offers home, condo, renters and auto insurance, and our licensed agents compare quotes from multiple carriers.
Keep it up to date
- Review it once a year, such as when your policy renews
- Add big purchases and gifts as you get them
- Remove items you've sold or given away
- Redo the video after a move or remodel
