Whether you’re a new homeowner or looking for a new home insurance policy, you’ll want to make sure you have a home inventory list.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a home inventory list – you’re not alone. Believe it or not, many people don’t understand the real value of these lists.
What Exactly is a Home Inventory List?
A home inventory list is a document that helps you record all of the items in your home. When you have a home inventory list in place, you can use it to help you to determine the true value of your home and your belongings.
While some people simply find comfort in having an inventory of their belongings, they play a vital role in helping you get the right home insurance policy. You can use the information contained in a home inventory list to help you to determine how much coverage you need to protect your home and your belongings.
What Should Be Included in a Home Inventory List?
The items that should be included on your home inventory list will vary from person to person, but some items are pretty universal. It’s a good idea to include a list of the major items in your home, such as appliances, furniture, and fixtures. You’ll also want to include a list of the smaller, more unique items, such as rare books, family heirlooms, or collections.
If you’re unsure of what you should include, you can always search for “sample home inventory lists” or “home inventory checklists” online! There are dozens of available options to help you organize your home inventory list.
You can also ask an insurance agent or representative for help! They can help you determine what should be included on your list to protect your home.
Is a Home Inventory List Considered a “Must Have” for Homeowners?
Absolutely!
Home inventory lists help you stay organized, but they also help protect your home. In the event of a fire, flood, or other natural disasters, it’s imperative that you have a home inventory list in place.
If you don’t, you could lose thousands of dollars worth of your belongings. A home inventory list helps you identify the items that were damaged or destroyed to get the most value for your insurance claim.
5 Tips for Creating a Home Inventory List
Creating a home inventory list is a great way to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. If you’re not quite sure where to begin with your home inventory list, then here are five steps to help you get started:
1. Break Your List Up by Room(s)
It’s a great idea to break your home inventory list. You can separate your home inventory list into different rooms, such as the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. This will help to make your home inventory list more manageable.
2. Take Videos/Photos of Each Item
It’s good to take photos and videos of your items as you catalog them. This will allow you to document your things more thoroughly and will also allow you to create a digital record of your items in case you ever need to refer back to them. This will ensure you have an accurate record of your property and an accurate representation of the quality and condition of everything on your list.
3. Maintain Detailed Records of Items Big and Small
You should also make a point of keeping detailed records of the items that are most important to you. This will help you stay organized and serve as a valuable record of your property. Information you’ll want to catalog includes:
- Cost of each item
- Description of each item
- Name of each item: Always use the product’s official name and include the brand and model/serial number as well
- The date you purchased the item
- Receipt/bill of sale, as well as any warranty information
4. Don’t Forget Outdoor Property
Homeowners often forget to include outdoor items on their home inventory list. This is a massive oversight since outdoor items can be just as important as indoor items. When creating your home inventory list, be sure to include outdoor property such as sheds, decks, fences, and swimming pools. You can even include items like a hot tub, grill, or swing set.
5. Have a Backup Copy Saved Somewhere
Once your list is complete, you should consider having a backup copy saved somewhere. You can email your home inventory list to a family member or friend, print it out, or store it in a digital format. Having a backup copy of your home inventory list will help you stay organized if your original list is lost or damaged.
Insure Your Belongings with a Homeowner’s Policy from Higgins
In addition to a home inventory list, a home insurance policy is crucial to protect your home and your belongings. A home insurance policy can help protect your home and belongings against various risks such as fire, flood, and theft.
Curious what a homeowner’s policy from Higgins Insurance can do for you? Contact our team today, and we’ll get all your questions answered!