Make An Inventory Of Your Belonging

As a homeowner, or renter, you should keep an up to date inventory of everything of value in your home or apartment, including the garage, attic, basement, and the front and back yards.

• Note: Your inventory should also include valuables that are stored in rented storage units.

An inventory should be organized in a thorough and complete manner. The best way to take an inventory is to take a notebook and camera and go from room to room documenting everything in each of them. A video of your valuables is great for insurance purposes.

You should list each item and take pictures or a video of them. Your inventory should include furniture, jewelry, clothing, televisions, stereo systems, computers, chinaware, crystal ware, silverware, the refrigerator, stove, freezer, pots and pans, tools and antiques and collectibles such as gold and silver coins, dolls, art, etc.

If you have the information, for each documented item, write down the original cost, brand name, model number, where the item was purchased, and give a general description.

• Note: It is always a good idea to keep purchase receipts of anything of value and file them with your important documents, which should also be organized.

The inventory, pictures and/or videos, and any pertinent information should be stored in a safe place, yet be readily available if it is needed. A good inventory can save you, and your family, time, money, and a major headache if there is a fire, flood, burglary, or other incident.

Your inventory should labeled by room and should be updated at least once a year.

It is well worth the money to buy a fireproof, waterproof, file cabinet or safe deposit box to keep your inventory in and also for your valuable documents.

A written inventory with pictures and/or videos will help make it easier on you if you have an incident in which you have to file an insurance claim.

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