Why Every Homeowner Should Create a Home Inventory Before They Need It
Most homeowners spend years filling their homes with furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, family heirlooms, and countless everyday items. But if a fire, theft, or major storm suddenly destroyed your home, could you accurately remember everything you owned?
For many people, the answer is no.
Creating a home inventory is one of the simplest and most valuable things you can do to prepare for the unexpected. Best of all, it takes very little time and could make a significant difference if you ever need to file an insurance claim.
What Is a Home Inventory?
A home inventory is simply a detailed record of your personal belongings. It documents what you own and provides valuable information should you ever experience a covered loss.
Your inventory can include:
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Jewelry
- Clothing
- Tools
- Collectibles
- Artwork
- Sporting equipment
- Holiday decorations
- Outdoor furniture
- Kitchen items
The more complete your inventory, the easier it can be to document your losses during the claims process.
The Easiest Way to Create One
You don’t need expensive software or spreadsheets to get started.
Simply grab your smartphone and walk through your home.
Record a video of each room while slowly describing major items. Open closets, kitchen cabinets, bathroom drawers, storage areas, your attic, basement, and garage. If you own valuable items, take close up photos and keep receipts or appraisals whenever possible.
Once you’re finished, save the video somewhere secure such as:
- Google Drive
- Apple iCloud
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Dropbox
Storing your inventory in the cloud helps ensure it is available even if your phone or computer is damaged.
Helpful Home Inventory Apps
If you’d like to create a more detailed inventory, several apps can help organize your belongings by room and category.
Popular options include:
- Encircle
- NAIC Home Inventory App
- Sortly
- Nest Egg
These apps allow you to add photos, receipts, serial numbers, and notes for valuable possessions.
How Often Should You Update Your Inventory?
Your home changes more often than you probably realize.
Consider updating your inventory:
- Once each year
- After major renovations
- When purchasing expensive electronics or furniture
- After receiving valuable gifts
- Whenever you move
Even spending ten to fifteen minutes updating your inventory can save hours of stress later.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Many homeowners don’t realize they have gaps in their documentation until it’s too late.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Forgetting storage rooms, garages, and sheds
- Not photographing valuable jewelry or collectibles
- Failing to save receipts for major purchases
- Keeping inventory only on a computer inside the home
- Never updating the inventory after new purchases
Avoiding these simple mistakes can make the claims process much smoother.
Protect More Than Just Your Home
A home inventory is one of the easiest ways to prepare for life’s unexpected moments. While no one wants to think about disasters, taking a few minutes today can provide peace of mind for years to come.
If you have questions about your homeowners insurance or want to review your current coverage, the team at Kelly Insurance is here to help you understand your options and make sure you’re properly protected.
