Home Insurance: How to Take a Home Inventory

Home owners insurance is your safety net if you experience something catastrophic, such as a flood, earthquake, or fire. Research online to obtain a homeowners insurance quote if you haven't purchased insurance.

In addition, create an inventory of your home's items for insurance purposes. If you don't have a list of all your important possessions in a safe location, it will be difficult – if not impossible – to make a legitimate claim.

It's not too difficult to put together a home inventory. Just follow these steps:

Go room-by-room and write down the important items in each location. If you can, take pictures of the more important items using either a still or video camera. Some families are very meticulous and take note of everything in the room, while other simply take a picture of the entire space with more valuable items on display. Include a family member in the picture to make ownership of the items obvious.
Record a description of each item, and mark down manufacturer or brand, and serial numbers. Also keep receipts and appraisals on hand for more expensive possessions.
Don't forget to note down anything that would be expensive to replace, including pots and pans, garden tools, and linen. Look in your closets and dresser drawers, garage, basement, and attic for valuables.

Important documents also need to be placed in a location for safekeeping. Make photocopies of documents such as recent tax returns, house title and deed, birth certificates, credit card papers, and banking statements.

Open a safe deposit box to store the inventory list and your documents.

What to list

Air conditioner
Coffee maker
Dishwasher
Dryer
Freezer
Hair dryer
Lamp
Microwave oven
Oven
Refrigerator
Sewing machine
Stove
Television
Telephone
Toaster oven
Vacuum cleaner
VCR
Washing machine
Paintings
Photographs
Posters
Clothing
Accessories
Belts
Boots
Coats
Dresses
Fur
Gloves
Jackets
Pants
Pajamas
Scarves
Shirts
Shoes
Suits
Sweaters
Ties
Uniforms
Underwear
CD player
Cell phone
Clock radio
Computer
Digital camera
DVD player
Printer
Radio
Speakers
Stereo
Books
Games
Instruments
Records
Tapes
Toys
Videogame station
Videogames
Floor/Window Treatments
Blinds
Carpet
Drapes
Hardwood
Linoleum
Rug
Shutters
Tile
Armoire
Bar
Bed (headboard)
Bookshelf
Box-spring
Buffet
Cabinets
Chair
Chest
Coffee table
Couch
Desk
Dresser
End table
Futon
Hutch
Loveseat
Nightstand
Pool table
Recliner
Side table
Kitchenware
Outdoor items
Jewelry
Car

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