Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
Household Inventory - Just Do It!
Talk to anyone who has had their house robbed or experienced flood or fire damage and, after they talk about the trauma, they'll tell you how difficult it is to recall exactly what items need to be replaced. By making a household inventory, you'll have peace of mind and create a list of your property and possession to provide a clear record for insurance purposes. It's not that difficult to do, and once it's started you can add to it as you make new purchases, which are covered by insurance.

Take photos or videotapes of each room from various angles. Open drawers and closets to document their contents. For antiques and jewelry, take close up detail shots. For large items like computers and televisions, note the model and serial numbers on the back. Do the same for bicycles, cameras, and any other expensive home electronics.

If you're using video just talk into the mike describing, the item with details of the purchase dates, prices, and serial numbers. With photos, write down the details of when you purchased the item, how much it cost, and any serial or model numbers.

Keep the information in a home inventory notebook, and every time you purchase something add it to the list and snap a photo for your records.

Make two copies of your inventory, keeping one at home in your files and the other in a bank deposit box or any safe place outside of the house.

Your insurance agent can give you specific recommendations depending, on the kind of coverage you have.


written by the editors of HouseNet
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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