two reasons you should complete a home inventory.

TWO REASONS YOU SHOULD COMPLETE A HOME INVENTORY. SERIAL NUMBERS
TWO REASONS YOU SHOULD COMPLETE A HOME INVENTORY. FREE

The best way to substantiate the value of your belongings is through your original purchase receipts if you still have them. And if you really don’t have time right now to tackle a complete home inventory, you can start with a photo or video inventory and add the other details later. Photographs are a typical feature within home inventory mobile apps, but if you’re going more low-tech, you can just use the camera on your phone. You can support what’s detailed in your home inventory by taking photos or videos of your possessions. You can spread it out over several days or weeks as long as you keep at it until you’ve marked off every area on your map. And don’t feel like you have to complete your inventory in a day or a weekend. Once you complete that area, mark it off your map and move on to the next.

A good first choice is a smaller space, such as a closet, which will be easier to document. This will give some structure to your project. Overcome this by making a list or drawing a map that includes each room, closet and open area of your house. Each app works slightly differently, so do your homework to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.Īfter you’ve selected a home inventory method, getting started can feel overwhelming.

TWO REASONS YOU SHOULD COMPLETE A HOME INVENTORY. FREE

If an app sounds appealing to you, there are free and subscription-based versions depending on the features you want. Using a home inventory mobile app, such as Encircle, My Stuff, Nest Egg or Sortly.Filling in a home inventory template found through an internet search for that key phrase.Creating an electronic document, such as a spreadsheet, for your list.Go as low-tech or high-tech as you want, but pick a method that suits you and will be the easiest for you to access and update. Pick your home inventory method of choice. These hacks can help you tackle your home inventory project: Qualify for financial assistance due to a lossĮasy Tips for Inventorying Your Possessions.Prove financial losses for tax filing purposes.Determine how much homeowners or renters insurance coverage you need.File a homeowners insurance or renters insurance claim for a loss.Why Do You Need a Home Inventory?Īlthough it may seem like a lot of work, a home inventory will make it much easier and more accurate when you need to:

The exception is for especially valuable items, such as a vintage Chanel dress or a first edition of “The Great Gatsby.” In that case, list the item on its own. With clothing or other items where you have multiples of the same thing, you can list them in groups, such as six dress shirts, 10 ties, two pairs of athletic shoes or 20 hardback and 15 paperback books.

TWO REASONS YOU SHOULD COMPLETE A HOME INVENTORY. SERIAL NUMBERS

Serial numbers for appliances and electronics.

Purchase receipts or notes of where items were purchased and estimates of their cost or value.

Descriptions of color, make and model for all items.

The best inventories include detailed information such as: What Is a Home Inventory?Ī home inventory is exactly what it sounds like-a list of everything you own that’s located in your home and any storage units. Why risk being in the unenviable position of trying to recreate a list of your possessions after catastrophe strikes when you can create a complete home inventory now while you can think straight and your things are right in front of you. But in the unfortunate event that your home is burglarized, burned or otherwise harmed, that’s what you’d need for the police report and homeowners insurance or renters insurance claim. If someone asked you right now to tick off a list of all the items you own, you’d probably struggle to remember everything, much less put an appropriate value on each item. Editor’s note: Quorum is not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned in this article and derives no benefit from these businesses for placement in this article.

Two reasons you should complete a home inventory.