Home Inventory Checklist
Creating a home inventory is an important step toward replacing your items if they are damaged or destroyed due to a natural disaster or other incident. It may seem like a tedious task, but your attention to detail will pay off in determining not only the value of your property, but also if it is adequately insured.
Home Inventory Checklist
A simple way to get started is to go room-by-room and make a list in a notebook. Begin with the larger items, but also make note of any personal belongings you have. As you do this, write down the value of each item, and include receipts in the notebook if you have them.
Update the notebook as you make any major purchases. Remember to make a copy of your inventory and place it in your safe deposit box. You can also transfer the information to a spreadsheet and save it on your computer.
See below for a sample checklist to use as a starting point:
Living Room
- Furniture
- Electronics (TV, Sound System, Gaming Consoles)
- Rugs, Window Treatments
- Computers, Tablets and Accessories
- DVDs, CDs, Games, Toys, Books
- Artwork
Kitchen/Dining
- Furniture
- Appliances (Stove, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave)
- Rugs, Window Treatments, Table Linens
- Pots and Pans
- Dishes, Glasses, Utensils
- Artwork
Bedrooms/Closets
- Furniture
- Rugs, Window Treatments
- Electronics
- Clothing
- DVDs, CDs, Games, Toys, Books
- Artwork
Garage/Patio
- Outdoor Furniture
- Lawn Equipment
- Sports Gear and Bicycles
- Tools
Attic/Basement
- Furniture
- Trunks and Storage Boxes
- Appliances
Special Items That May Require Professional Appraisal:
- Jewelry
- Artwork
- Heirlooms
- China
- Collector’s Items
Photo and Video
If making a list of what you own seems too daunting, use your camera and take photo or video of all your belongings. Don’t forget to transfer the file to your computer and create a backup so you’ll have this important information if or when you need it.
Home Inventory Apps
Of course, an app is available to document all of your property. A number of free apps can be downloaded to your mobile device so you can inventory the items in your home with ease.
Start with this free tool from the Insurance Information Institute, Know Your Stuff Home Inventory. Other similar, helpful apps can be found by searching reviews online to find the one that best works for your needs.
