Every homeowner and renter should have a complete, detailed home inventory list that catalogs everything they own. See my article Home Inventory List on how to create a detailed record of your possessions.
In addition to an electronic record, you should create a digital record for insurance purposes. If a disaster struck your home today, you should be able to provide your insurance company with detailed information about your home and belongings.
An inventory list can help ensure you have the right amount of coverage and that you are adequately compensated if you need to file a claim.
After you have created your electronic inventory list start taking your pictures and video.
Start Outside
Begin by taking pictures of the exterior of your house, garage and any outbuildings. Take pictures of every side of each building and take some wide-angle shots of the entire property. Take pictures of any outdoor amenities such as landscaping, swimming pool, outdoor furniture, and other items.
In the garage and outbuildings take pictures of all your belongings, lawn mowers, tools, and other items you keep in those locations.
Inside
Move from room to room, capturing pictures and video of the room as a whole and then each item in the room. If you have valuables in drawers and closets, be sure to document those as well. In my Home Inventory List article, I suggest taking pictures of the sticker that is attached to valuable items that contains the serial number, model number and other important information.
Don’t forget the attic, basement, storage closets and other areas of the home.
The more pictures and videos you create the better. Be as detailed as possible. When you are recording video describe each item and its value and any details that should be documented.
Collections
Layout collections, jewelry, tools, hobby supplies, sporting equipment and other valuable items and record them individually.
Storing Your Inventory Documentation
Once complete you want to keep your electronic inventory list together with your digital images. The electronic inventory list is one you create on your computer, you can use a spreadsheet or a program or template specifically designed for creating an inventory list. You should have a printed copy of your list as a backup. Store the pictures and videos you create on your computer in the same location as your digital list and backup your computer regularly. Keep a copy of all of the information at home preferably in a fireproof safe, another copy should be given to your insurance company and another stored digitally in the cloud so if something happens you always have a backup. Update your list anytime you add something new. When you update your list be sure to give an updated copy to your insurance company.
The Tech Minimalist 