How to create a home inventory list for home insurance

How to make a home inventory list

Create your home inventory by making a list of all your belongings, room by room, including each item's description, purchase information, and identifying details. Take photos or videos, save receipts when available, and keep a backup of the inventory outside your home.

Follow these easy steps to create a home inventory for home insurance coverage:

Gather your supplies. You'll need a method of taking notes, either on paper or digitally, and a camera (you can use your phone).
Create categories and go room to room. Start by going room by room and creating categories within that room. For example, in the kitchen you might have small appliances, dishes, and cookware. Be as detailed as possible, taking into account each item’s age, purchase price, brands, and models.
Take notes and photos. Supplement your written list with photos of your larger items and any store sales receipts or documents you have from when they were purchased.
Get an appraisal (if necessary. If you own expensive jewelry, art, antiques, or collectibles that don’t have valuable papers associated with them, it's important to get an expert appraisal so that those items can be properly insured for their full value.
Update your inventory annually (or whenever you buy something big). The best way to ensure that your home inventory is always up to date is to review it at least once per year and note any changes in ownership or condition of the items listed. If you make a big purchase, add it to your inventory.

Home inventory checklist: What to add

Your home inventory should include the belongings you would need to replace after a covered loss, along with details that help identify and value each item. Focus on the item description, purchase date, purchase price, brand, model, serial number and receipts when available.

Follow this home inventory checklist while making your list:

The name of the items
When was it purchased
Where was it purchased
How much did it cost
Any special details
Any other information that would make it easy for an insurance agent to process a loss for you

For clothing, books, kitchenware, and other items that are difficult to list individually, you can record them by category and quantity.

The insurer will place a value on everything that was claimed lost, so providing them with information on possession will allow them to do this and repair or replace it quickly.

So what's the best way to go about this?

Photos and videos help speed up the filing process and improve the accuracy of your claim; it's fine to use your phone.

Having a visual record of important possessions will take pressure off you in the middle of a very stressful situation. It will also make the job of your insurance agent easier. And don't stop at just pictures and videos of items -- record serial numbers, model numbers, and receipts as well.

"Cell phone proof is perfectly fine. Even a list in a notebook will get the job done," says Megan MacBey, CIC, account executive at Eagle Insurance Group, LLC, in Massachusetts.

Walking around your house, going room to room and recording every item may seem like a simple but annoying task. Don't get so lost in the tedious work that you forget to list everything. Remember to record items in storage boxes in attics and basements that are filled with items of value.

Something else that's often overlooked: your important documents. You can preserve them by taking photos with your phone. Make sure you capture account numbers, addresses, and phone numbers associated with bank accounts, passports, appraisals, and insurance policies. Birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates are equally vital items to capture on video or photo.

And lest you think that once the list is created, you're good, think again. It's a good idea to update at least annually. You may even want to update your list whenever you make a purchase that would be part of a home insurance claim.

An easy method to use is the one you use with your taxes. Document and collect receipts to update your insurance inventory list with the new purchases. Updating annually will allow you to adjust your property coverage accordingly.

Storing your home inventory

Store your home inventory outside your home so you can access it if it is damaged or destroyed. Keep a digital backup online or another copy at a safe location away from the property.

It could be in a bank safe deposit box, with a friend or family member at their residence, stored digitally in the cloud, or in an app designed for inventory taking. The key is being able to access it even if your original device is destroyed.

What happens if you have a major disaster and you don't have an inventory? Will your claim be denied?

"No. Just know that the process will take longer and might not be as complete without evidence of what needs to be replaced," says MacBey.

Taking a home inventory of every possession can feel like a daunting task, but it is a vital one. Take it one room at a time and remember: any list is better than none.

Creating an inventory of personal property

A home inventory gives you a record of your belongings before a loss. Include photos, purchase information, receipts, and serial numbers when available, then keep a backup somewhere outside your home.

Review the inventory at least once a year and add significant purchases as you make them. The goal isn't to create a perfect list in one day. Start with one room and build from there.

FAQ: Home inventory

What is a home inventory form?

A home inventory form is a document used to list all of the items in a household. It typically includes detailed information about each item, such as description, purchase price, serial/model numbers, and photos. It is important to create a home inventory form for insurance purposes so that you can accurately determine the value of your belongings in the event of theft or damage.

Why do I need to create a home inventory?

A home inventory helps you document your belongings and provides information you might need when filing a homeowners insurance claim. It also helps you review whether your personal property coverage fits the value of what you own.

Can I make a home inventory with my phone?

Yes, you can create a home inventory with your phone by taking photos and videos and recording details about your belongings. You can also use a home inventory app to organize items by room or category.