Disasters like floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires strike all the time, and they’re usually unexpected. Most of us have insurance that will help us through the process of rebuilding, but how will you be able to remember every single item that you own?
If you can’t account for each item in your possession, you wont receive the financial help from your insurance agent that you should. So how can you avoid turning a disaster into an even bigger mess? Have a home inventory list.
What Is A Home Inventory List?
The Balance defines a home inventory list as, “A list of the items or personal belongings you have in your home, condo or apartment. The list can be categorized by room, type of item, collection or other relevant criteria.”
Steps For Creating A Home Inventory List
Choose A Software Or Storage Method
While writing your home inventory list on a piece of printer paper might seem like a good idea, there are far better resources that are readily available for you to use.
There are software programs that are designed for home inventories like What You Own and Home Inventory Template that allow you to insert your desired information into a safe space. Both companies offer different services, so do your research so you can determine which route is best for you.
Start Listing Items
Tackle the task of starting your home inventory list by going through one room at a time, being as specific as possible.
Your home inventory list should include as much of the following information for your items as possible:
- Description of the item
- Make, model or serial number
- Cost at the time of purchase
- Where the item was purchased
- Date of purchase
- Receipts or photos
- Estimated replacement cost if you bought it today
If you have antiques, be sure to specifically talk to your insurance agent about them to find out how to itemize them in your home inventory list.
Include Important Paperwork
Having to replace legal documents can be a hassle, so be sure to preserve and protect all of your important documents. Try keeping them in a fireproof safe, or in a safe deposit box in a separate location.
Keep Copies Of Your Home Inventory List Off Site
It’s crucial to remember that you can’t store your inventory only on your computer’s hard drive. After all, your computer could be destroyed in a disaster.
The easiest option is to save your inventory to the cloud so that you can access it anywhere. Do this by emailing it to yourself as an attachment, or try storing it in free cloud storage services.
Click here to learn about cloud storage and its safety.
However, if you don’t feel comfortable using the cloud, print copies of your home inventory list and stow it in a fireproof safe or safe-deposit box. If applicable, swap lists with a family member or friend. Not only will this encourage them to make a home inventory list for themselves, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your important list is with someone you trust.
To learn more about home insurance and creating a home inventory list, give the Corwin-Rey team a call at (360) 414-8754.