Why You Should Document Your Belongings for Homeowners Insurance
Keeping an up-to-date inventory of your belongings is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring you’re fully covered in the event of theft, fire, or natural disasters. While homeowners insurance provides coverage for personal property, having detailed documentation makes filing a claim significantly easier and more accurate.
How Often Should You Update Your Home Inventory?
It’s best to update your home inventory every 6 to 12 months. Regular updates ensure new purchases are documented, and older items that may have been sold, donated, or discarded are removed from your records. A thorough and current inventory helps prevent undervaluation of your belongings when making a claim.
What to Include in Your Home Inventory
When documenting your belongings, be as detailed as possible. For each item, record:
Purchase price
Make, model, and year
SKU or serial number
Receipts or proof of purchase
Photos or videos of the item
Appraisal documents for high-value items
Be sure to include items from art, makeup, clothing, electronics, TVs, and more. Open every drawer, closet, and safe in your home to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Best Ways to Store Your Home Inventory
Your inventory should be stored securely in multiple locations to ensure access even if physical copies are lost or damaged. Consider:
Cloud storage: Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or another secure online platform.
External hard drives or USBs: Keep a backup copy in a safe deposit box or with a trusted family member.
Hard copies: Store printed records in a fireproof safe or a secure location.
How to Get Started
Walk through each room and take photos or videos of your belongings.
Use a home inventory app or spreadsheet to log essential details.
Keep all receipts in a dedicated folder or scan them for digital storage.
Set a reminder every 6 to 12 months to update your records.
The Benefits of an Updated Home Inventory
Faster insurance claims process – Providing documentation can speed up claim approval and reimbursement.
Accurate coverage – Helps ensure you have the right amount of insurance to cover your belongings.
Peace of mind – Knowing your inventory is up to date reduces stress in case of an emergency.
Taking the time to document your possessions can save you time, money, and hassle down the road. Start your home inventory today and stay proactive about protecting what matters most!
Have questions? Contact me HERE or give me a call at (424)433-3747.
Best regards,
Lindsay Woolf | CA DRE #02236711
DOMO Real Estate | CA DRE #01290500
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Real estate transactions can be complex and subject to local regulations.
