Why You Need a Home Inventory (And How to Make One!)
Imagine this: a fire, flood, or burglary happens, and suddenly, you’re faced with the task of recalling everything you own to file an insurance claim. Could you list every item, along with its value and purchase details, off the top of your head? That’s where a home inventory comes in.
A home inventory is a detailed list of your belongings that helps you:
✔️ Speed up insurance claims in case of loss or damage
✔️ Ensure you have enough coverage for valuable items
✔️ Verify losses for tax purposes
✔️ Make replacing stolen or damaged items easier
If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry—it’s never too late to start!
How to Create a Home Inventory
- Start Small
If the idea of listing everything you own feels overwhelming, begin with an easy spot—maybe a kitchen cabinet, your closet, or a shelf of electronics. You can tackle one area at a time instead of trying to do it all at once.
- Keep It Simple
For each item, try to note:
- What it is (e.g., “Samsung 55” Smart TV”)
- Where you bought it
- Make and model
- What you paid
- Any other key details (like serial numbers on appliances and electronics)
- Don’t Forget These Items!
- Clothing – You don’t need to list every single t-shirt. Instead, group them: “5 pairs of jeans, 10 sweaters, 3 coats.”
- Jewelry, art, and collectibles – These may need extra insurance coverage, so check with your agent.
- Off-site items – If you have belongings in a storage unit, they’re usually covered by your homeowners policy—just make sure to include them in your list!
Use Technology to Make It Easier
Take Photos – Snap pictures of your belongings and label them with purchase details. A quick shot of your TV, laptop, or favorite furniture piece could be invaluable in proving ownership.
Record a Video Walkthrough – Walk around your home, filming each room while describing major items. Example: “This is my 2021 MacBook Air, purchased at Best Buy for $1,200.”
Use an App – Several mobile apps help you keep a digital home inventory. These allow you to organize by room, category, and even store receipts.
Keeping Your Inventory Safe & Up-to-Date
Your inventory is only helpful if you can access it when needed!
Keep copies in multiple places – If you have a paper list, store a backup outside your home (like in a safe deposit box). For digital records, keep a copy in cloud storage or on an external hard drive.
Update it regularly – Bought a new TV? Upgraded your laptop? Add big purchases as you go.
Understand your app – If you’re using an inventory app, make sure it backs up your data and that you know how to retrieve it if needed.
Why This Matters for Your Insurance
A home inventory makes filing claims faster and smoother—instead of scrambling to remember what you lost, you’ll have clear documentation ready to go. Plus, it ensures you have the right coverage for your belongings so you’re not left paying out of pocket after a disaster.
At Boufford Insurance, we’re here to help you protect what matters. Need guidance on your home insurance policy? Give Boufford Insurance a call today!
