Forward Bank

In the whirlwind of everyday life, it’s easy to underestimate the value of our possessions until something unexpected happens. Natural disasters, theft or accidents can result in the loss of personal belongings. This is where a home inventory becomes invaluable – it’s a detailed record of your possessions, aiding in insurance claims and ensuring adequate coverage. Let’s delve into the key aspects of creating a comprehensive home inventory.

Understanding a home inventory

A home inventory is essentially a detailed list of your belongings, including descriptions, photographs, purchase receipts and estimated values. It covers everything from furniture and electronics to jewelry and artwork. The primary goal is to document your possessions to facilitate the claims process.

Steps to create a home inventory

• Start room by room. Begin systematically, going through each room in your home. Document items by making a list, including descriptions, serial numbers, purchase dates and estimated values.
• Take photos or videos. Supplement your written list with visual evidence. Take clear photographs or videos of each item, capturing important details and any distinguishing features.
• Keep receipts and appraisals. Preserve purchase receipts, appraisals and any relevant documentation. This can serve as evidence of ownership and value, aiding in the claims process.
• Utilize technology. Several apps and software are available to assist in creating and organizing your home inventory. These tools often provide convenient templates and categorization options.
• Store safely. Ensure your inventory documentation is stored securely. Consider keeping physical copies in a fireproof and waterproof safe or storing digital copies in cloud storage for easy access from anywhere.

Don't forget to review!

A home inventory isn’t a one-time task. Regularly update it as you acquire new items or when possessions undergo significant changes in value.