Creating a Home Inventory

After you purchase your homeowners policy, it’s best to keep a copy of your policy in a fire proof/water tight box or in a safe place away from your home. It is also important to keep an inventory of the items in your home and store it in a safe place.

Keeping a list of the items in your home can be helpful if you have to make an insurance claim. Preparing a home inventory before something happens is easier than trying to write a list from memory after a loss.  There are a few different methods to use when creating a home inventory.

One method is to create an inventory spreadsheet, or you can fill out this Home Inventory Checklist provided by the Texas Department of Insurance.

Another method is to create a visual record of your items.  This can be accomplished with photographs or a video walk-through of your home. Be sure to include a verbal description of major assets, including their value. Don’t forget the garage, attic, and remember to open closets and drawers and take pictures/video of the contents inside.

Whichever method you use, make sure your inventory is complete and detailed.