In the event your personal property is damaged or stolen, your insurance carrier will ask for an inventory list of the items that were affected. Having a full inventory of your home’s contents prepared ahead of time can make the claims process run much smoother. It also saves you the stress of trying to remember important details—like brand names, serial numbers, and purchase prices—when you’re already dealing with a loss.
A personal property inventory is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself, but it’s something many homeowners overlook.
Below are a few tips to help you create a thorough and useful list.
1. Start Room-by-Room
Trying to list everything you own at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, walk through your home one room at a time. Start with the areas that contain the most valuable items, such as the living room, bedrooms, or garage.
For each item, include:
Item name
Brand/model
Serial number (if available)
Purchase date or approximate year
Purchase price
Where it was purchased
Photos or videos
Even rough estimates can be helpful if exact details are unknown.
2. Take Photos or Video
Visual documentation is one of the most effective tools in a claim.
You can:
Take a walk-through video of each room
Photograph individual high-value items
Capture the inside of closets, drawers, and storage areas
This helps verify ownership and condition.
3. Save Receipts and Appraisals
If you have receipts—especially for electronics, appliances, jewelry, or other high-value items—include them with your inventory list. If you don’t have receipts, consider gathering bank or credit card transaction records when possible.
For collectible or valuable items, an appraisal may be required to accurately determine replacement value.
4. Use a Digital Tool or Spreadsheet
Your list can be handwritten, but digital formats are much easier to update and store.
You can use:
A spreadsheet
A home inventory app
A note-taking program
Cloud storage
Digital files also make it easy to share your inventory with your insurance agent if it’s ever needed.
5. Update Your Inventory Regularly
Your belongings change over time. Add new purchases as you make them, and review your list at least once a year—or after holidays, big purchases, or major home projects.
6. Store Copies in Multiple Places
We recommend keeping several copies of your inventory:
One copy at home
One in a secure location outside your home (like a safe deposit box or with a trusted family member)
A digital copy stored securely online
This ensures you’ll still have access even if your home is damaged.
We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about creating your personal property inventory list—or want advice on what type of documentation your policy requires—give our office a call at (956) 233-5744.
We’re always happy to help you stay prepared and protected.