A Simple Guide to Documenting Your Home’s Contents for Insurance

Life is full of surprises, and while we hope they are always pleasant, sometimes the unexpected can take the form of a fire, storm, or other event that damages or destroys our home and belongings. In those challenging moments, the last thing you want to worry about is trying to remember every single item you owned. That’s where a comprehensive home inventory comes in. At Bieritz Insurance we believe in empowering our clients with the tools and knowledge to navigate these situations with greater ease. Creating a home inventory might seem like a daunting task, but it’s a simple yet incredibly valuable step you can take today to protect your future and streamline the insurance claims process.

Why a Home Inventory Matters:

Imagine facing the aftermath of a significant event. Trying to recall every piece of furniture, every article of clothing, every electronic device, and every personal item you owned can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing. Without a detailed record, you might forget valuable items, leading to a lower insurance settlement than you deserve. A well-documented home inventory serves as a crucial record for your insurance company, making the claims process smoother, faster, and ultimately less stressful. It provides clear evidence of what was lost or damaged, helping you receive a fair and accurate settlement to rebuild your life. 

Making Inventory Easy: Simple Methods for Success

The good news is that creating a home inventory doesn’t require hours of meticulous handwriting. Modern technology offers several user-friendly methods to document your belongings effectively:

1. The Visual Approach: Photos and Videos

• Room by Room: Walk through each room of your home and take photos or videos of everything. Open drawers and closets to capture their contents. Don’t forget less obvious areas like the attic, basement, and garage.
• Focus on Details: For valuable items, take individual photos and close-ups. Capture identifying details like serial numbers, model names, and any unique features.
• Narrate Your Videos: If you choose video, consider narrating as you go, describing the items and their approximate value or any distinguishing characteristics. This can be incredibly helpful for future reference.

2. The Traditional Route: Lists and Spreadsheets

• Categorize by Room: Create a list or spreadsheet organized by room. This helps ensure you don’t miss anything.  
• Be Specific: Instead of just writing “clothes,” list types of clothing (e.g., 5 sweaters, 10 t-shirts, 3 pairs of jeans).  
• Include Key Information: For each item, note the brand, model number (if applicable), purchase date (if you remember), and estimated value. Even approximate values are better than nothing.
• Utilize Software: Consider using spreadsheet software (like Excel or Google Sheets) or dedicated home inventory apps. Many apps allow you to store photos, values, and purchase dates in an organized manner.  

3. Combining Methods for Comprehensive Coverage:

The most effective approach often involves a combination of visual and written documentation. For example, you might take a video walkthrough of each room and then supplement it with a detailed list of high-value items with their specific details.

Tips for Maintaining Your Home Inventory:

Creating the inventory is just the first step. To ensure its continued usefulness, remember to:

• Update Regularly: Make it a habit to update your inventory whenever you purchase new items or dispose of old ones. A quick annual review is also a good practice.
• Store Securely: Don’t keep your only copy of your inventory at home. Store it in a safe place like a cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud), an external hard drive kept off-site, or even with a trusted friend or family member. 
• Share with Us (Optional): While you don’t need to give us a detailed inventory, letting us know you have one on file can be helpful during the claims process.

Peace of Mind in Preparation:

Creating a home inventory might seem like one more task on your to-do list, but it’s an investment in your future security and peace of mind. By taking a little time now to document your belongings, you can significantly reduce stress and streamline the insurance claims process should the unexpected occur. At Bieritz Insurance, we are committed to providing you with not only the right insurance coverage but also the resources to navigate life’s challenges. If you have any questions about your homeowners insurance or creating a home inventory, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 607-547-2951. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.