

There are lots of bad, a few so-so, and some great computer programs to help you create an inventory. But that’s not really my style I’m a materialist to the core. Ascetic readers would advise us to pare down, to lead simple, joyful, stuff-free lives.

At any moment there are several phones, computers, video game systems and other small electronics strewn around the floor of my home office, and many more in every other part of the house.Īs if that weren’t enough stuff, my family has too many other things: I’m a sucker for cooking equipment, my wife’s stash of yarn keeps the world’s shepherds in business (she’s a knitter), we both buy more books than we can read, and our baby is constantly showered with toys and clothes. Technology companies are always sending me gadgets to evaluate it’s my job to catalog everything that arrives, keep notes on how I use the products, maintain the packing materials and manuals, and then send it all back. It’s just that I’m a tech reviewer, and sometimes that amounts to the same thing. Wills, living wills and powers of attorneyīank information (account numbers, statements, etc.HONESTLY, I didn’t set out to be a hoarder. For more tips, go to the Federal Citizen Information Center’s “Consumer Focus: Preparing Your Household Records.” Household Records General Note insurance policy and bank and investment account numbers along with and insurance policy contact information. You can also use your home inventory to record information about these papers. It’s also important to keep a record of legal documents, such as birth certificates and passports, and financial documents, such as bank accounts and insurance policies. Wheelbarrow/other garden tools and supplies Piano/other musical instruments Dining Roomīusiness supplies Garage/Basement/Attic/Shed Write a brief description of the item including when and where it was bough and its make or model number. Home Inventory: You can refer to the following lists to help create your inventories. For many items like books, CDs, sheets or pots and pans, you can make a general estimate of how many you have and their estimated value.

In other cases, they are grouped together by category. In some case, items below are listed by the room in which they are most likely to be found. Also, whenever you make a significant purchase, remember to add the information to your inventory while the details are fresh in your mind. (If your inventory is electronic, store it on a disk.) That way you’ll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. Store a copy of your inventory in a safe place outside of you home-with a friend or in a safe deposit box. Ask your insurance agent whether you need a floater for your homeowners policy. Keep receipts when they are available and note the cost for the item, when you bought it and other information about the make and model.Įxpensive items like jewelry and art work may need to be insured separately.
#Home inventory programs software
If you have a personal computer, you can access free online software that makes creating and keeping a home inventory easy. If you have a video camera, you can walk through your house filming and describing the contents at the same time. Or you can take pictures, writing information on the back of the photos or put information on your computer. You can write everything down in a notebook, for example. There are different ways to making your list. You can do it room by room, category by category (furniture, electronics, etc.), from newest items to oldest or from most expensive purchases to less expensive ones. First, decide on a way to make an inventory that works for you. It may seem hard at first to record information about everything you have in your house, but don’t let that put you off. There are many ways to create a home inventory. Keep track of all the things you’ve accumulated over the years.Verify losses for your income tax return.

Get your insurance claim settled faster.You never know when a disaster may strike-but you can be prepared with a home inventory.
