Taking Inventory of Your Entire Household
February 15th, 2007 (Organization)
Many home managers neglect to compile a household inventory to be put in their safe-deposit box. If there is a fire or burglary in your home, this record will help you remember what has to be replaced and how much each item was worth. An inventory also must show that you need to increase your insurance because your possessions are worth more than you thought.
The best way to go about compiling a household inventory is to start with a sheet of paper for each room in the house or apartment. Start at one point in the room and go all the way around, listing everything. Don’t forget cameras, watches, bicycles, tools, car, TVs, and stereos. For each item, list what it is, how much it cost, when it was purchased, the model number, brand name, and a general description.
Arrange expensive collections, silver, and jewelry separately and take closeup pictures. Keep one copy of your inventory at home and put a second in your safe-deposit box or give it to a trusted family member or friend.
Make a quick inventory of your wallet by laying the contents out on a quick-copy machine and take a picture. Then turn them over and copy the other side. You will be glad to have such information available if your wallet is lost or stolen.