Home Inventory: 10 Easy Steps

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:

1. Make a list of possessions, including “celebration” purchases, such as jewelry and fine art.
2. Think about family heirlooms, collections and furniture. Also, consider items related to everyday leisure time, from flat-screen televisions to custom guitars.
3. 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.
4. Attach copies of original sales receipts and/or appraisal documents to your inventory. Be sure to note model and serial numbers.
5. Group your possessions into logical categories, i.e., by hobby, by room in your home.
6. Carefully photograph or videotape each item and document a brief description, including age, purchase price and estimated current value.
7. Remember to open drawers and closets to document what’s inside.
8. 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.
9. Review and update your inventory annually and anytime you make a significant purchase.
10. 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.