10 Easy Steps to Make a Home Inventory
A home inventory ensures you know exactly what you own, and what it is worth before you need to make a claim. Here are 10 easy steps to complete a home inventory:
- Make a list of possessions, including “celebration” purchases, such as jewelry and fine art.
- Think about family heirlooms, collections, and furniture. Also, consider items related to everyday leisure time, from flat-screen televisions to custom guitars.
- Take note of commonplace items, such as toys, CDs, and clothing. And, do not forget items you may only use occasionally, such as holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools, and high-ticket items kept outside your home, such as landscape and swing sets.
- Attach copies of original sales receipts and/or appraisal documents to your inventory. Be sure to note the model and serial numbers.
- Group your possessions into logical categories, i.e., by hobby, by room in your home.
- Carefully photograph or videotape each item and document a brief description, including age, purchase price, and estimated current value.
- Remember to open drawers and closets to document what’s inside.
- Store your home inventory and related documents in a safe, easily accessible place, such as a secured site/file online, a fire-proof box, or in a safe deposit box. You may want to share a copy with your insurance provider to make necessary updates to your coverage.
- Review and update your inventory annually and anytime you make a significant purchase.
- Print a simple home inventory checklist at www.insureuonline.org
For more information, contact the Consumer Services Division of the Mississippi Insurance Department at www.mid.ms.gov or call 1-800-562-2957.
You can also visit www.insureuonline.org for more home insurance tips.