You should keep an inventory of everything you own, especially if you are a homeowner. You can get reimbursed for your property if it is damaged in a fire, natural disaster or theft. It can also be used to help determine whether your homeowner's insurer is adequate.
What is an Inventory of the Home?
Home inventories are lists of all the items you own, such as furniture, electronics, appliances and other personal belongings. It should be in a paper-based or digital format. Include important details like date of acquisition, model, and serial numbers. It should also be updated periodically to reflect any significant purchases you have made.
How should you inventory your home?
An inventory of your home is a must-have for any homeowner, particularly if you have expensive or valuable items. A house inventory is a good idea, especially if you own expensive or valuable goods.
A current inventory is necessary because insurance policies often have limits to what they will pay. For example, if you own valuable jewelry or art work, you may need to insure these separately from your homeowners policy.
The task of creating a home inventory can seem overwhelming.
It's intimidating to create either a digital or a physical inventory. It's best to start with an area that is easy to reach and work your way up.
If you want to create a digital home inventory, for example, you should walk through each room of your house and take pictures of every item. You will remember where the items are and also have a quick guide when you want to finish your list.
It is also a great idea to add any receipts you have or other documentation for each item. This will help you prove the value in case of an insurance claim, and it can also be used to assist your agent or broker with assessing the value of the property.
Don't Give Up if You Can't Finish Right Away
After you've completed the initial process, it can be tempting to give up and move on with your life. You'll get an accurate inventory in no time if you persevere and don't stop.
Start with the Kitchen, and then move out.
The best way to start a home inventory project is by tackling a room or area that has been organized. You can start with a room or area that is organized, such as a wardrobe, chest of draws or cabinet.
Don't hesitate to donate or throw away anything that's no longer useful or necessary. This can be an effective way to reduce clutter in your home and create more space.