12 Steps to Create Your Home Inventory

Create a complete inventory of your personal property for insurance records and be sure to UPDATE as necessary.

• Go through your home, room by room.
• Bring a notepad, pen, camera and/or video camera.
• If you have a digital camera, set the time/date stamp to show up on your photos.
• Write down the items in your room, even if it seems insignificant: toys, books, clothing, small appliances, rugs, window treatments, etc.
• Add dollar values, brand, serial/model #, and receipts whenever possible.
• Items of special value: jewelry, collections, heirlooms, antiques — document and photograph individually. If you have a professional appraisal, keep together.
• Take photos or video of each room, your possessions, and the exterior of your home.
• Make a spreadsheet or word document from your handwritten notes. If possible, insert a photo of each item into the document.
• Make copies of the document, professional appraisals, photos and video on your hard drive, CD’s and storage drive.
• Print out multiple copies of these records.
• Store the records in your safety deposit box, with your attorney, with trusted family members, etc.