A home inventory is a record of what you own. After a fire, flood or burglary, it makes an insurance claim much easier and shows whether your coverage matches what you have. Most of it can be done with a phone in an afternoon.
Start with a video walk-through
Walk slowly through each room filming walls, shelves and the inside of closets and drawers. Narrate as you go: “living room, sofa bought 2023”. It is the quickest way to capture a lot.
Then list the valuable items
For items of higher value, note the make, model, serial number, approximate purchase date and price. Photograph receipts and serial numbers. Electronics, appliances, jewelry, bikes and tools are the usual priorities.
Go room by room
Use our free home inventory checklist to work through each room without missing the garage, loft or shed.
Store a copy away from home
A cloud folder, an email to yourself or a copy with a relative means the inventory survives whatever happens to the house. Keep the policy number and your insurer’s claims phone line with it.
Update it once a year
Add big purchases as you make them and review the whole inventory once a year, perhaps when you check the smoke alarms. The home maintenance checklist is a good reminder.
Review your coverage
Compare the inventory with your policy. If you are not sure whether you are covered for replacement cost, ask your insurer. The Insurance Information Institute has a free guide to home inventories.
Sources & further reading
Adapt these ideas to your household. Organization guidance is general information, not medical, safety or financial advice.
