How to Create an Inventory of Personal Possessions

​Creating an inventory of your home and other personal possessions can be an extremely useful tool for insurance purposes.  Here are the steps to take to create one:  

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1. Make a list of all the rooms in your home (including basement and attic), other buildings, motorized equipment, etc.
2. Go room by room and make a list of all the items in each room. Be as detailed as possible and include the make, model, and serial number of any appliances or electronics.
3. Take photos or videos of each item, especially high-value items such as jewelry, art, and electronics.
4. Keep a record of the purchase date and price of each item. For motorized equipment, keep the original window sticker invoice which details all its features, functions, and inclusions.
5. Organize building inventory by room and by category. For example, you can have a separate list for furniture, electronics, and jewelry.
6. Store the inventory in a safe place such as a fireproof safe or a secure online location.
7. Once your inventory is completed, be sure to keep it updated regularly by adding new items and removing any items that have been sold or given away.

By maintaining a comprehensive inventory of your home and other possessions, you can correctly document their financial worth in the event you have to file an insurance claim.