Know that items like these are very challenging to replace and you will more likely be given a monetary replacement if you have proof of value. Antiques, family heirlooms, one of a kind items or jewelry: Sometimes some of the most important items to us are the hardest to replace.This helps you keep good records and helps insurance companies compare prices of the items. Even if you don’t have receipts for everything, try and hold onto the ones for the more expensive or important goods. Make a mental note: save and attach any receipts you might have (or make copies) to a print-out of your Home Inventory. This may be why some don’t hold onto the receipts. Receipts: I don’t think most people think that one day an item might be stolen or destroyed when they make a purchase.This is a great way to backup your inventory with physical proof along with personalized narration. It is a good idea to point out locations, key items or collections. You can do a quick run through of your home with a video camera. Video: This may seem redundant because you are already adding photographs, but for insurance purposes, there can never be too many sources for documentation.Even if all you did was take photos, that would be better than nothing. Take pictures of the contents of dressers, closets, and cabinets, as well as jewelry boxes. If you don’t know where to start with the pictures, just begin on one side of the home and work your way to the other. If you know how to do it, you can even turn the filenames into links within Excel so that you can click on the filename to open up the photo. Save your photos in the same directory, or sub-directory as the spreadsheet. Organize and name the photos according to the description and other information provided for the item. A useful feature on this Home Inventory form is the ability to record the filenames of your photos. This helps enforce the description and condition of your items. Photographs: Take clear, concise pictures of your items and what you want conveyed about them.Save the inventory spreadsheet on your computer and keep it handy, allowing future purchases to be added to the list. The date of purchase is important, as well as the condition of the item-especially items prone to theft. Remember to include model and serial numbers if possible. As you can see, the spreadsheet allows you to provide a lot of good (and needed) detail. Items like clothes might not seem like too much individually, but if you lose large quantities it can add up quickly. Large and/or expensive items should definitely be included. Insurance companies would like everything recorded down to the last sock and salt shaker, but it will be up to you how detailed you want to be. Home Inventory Form for Excel: Using this Home Inventory Spreadsheet is helpful because it will give you an idea of what information should be provided.Home Inventory Spreadsheet (Screenshot) How to Complete Your Home Inventory You can do it all at once or divide the project up as time allows, possibly doing one or two rooms at a time. It may take you as long as a few hours, or perhaps an afternoon. If you are willing to devote some time now, it can save you in the long run. After all, who has time to list every household item, right? Imagine having to replace all of the items you use such as couches, jewelry, clothes, books, or dishes, and this may give you the motivation to carry out the process. Taking inventory of your personal items can seem overwhelming. This is the idea behind insurance-backup in case of an unfortunate “rainy day” experience. Protecting your assets should be a proactive (not reactive) experience. Hopefully, they are right, but one never knows. Most people seem to think tragedy will never befall them. Do you think you can remember every item you own after a fire or theft? Under the best of circumstances, that would be a very challenging task. It is much more challenging to try and track your items AFTER a loss. Having some professional experience with insurance, I’ve seen several times where people don’t take the time to document the stuff they have and strikes, they have an accident and have to file a claim. Insurance companies like to see your personal property documented. This is true regardless of whether you own a home or rent. Most of us have items that are special to us, but when it comes to financial protection of your personal property, ALL items should be important. More importantly, having a home inventory will help you PROTECT your belongings. Having a familiarity with your possessions is a way to help you keep track of your personal property and be organized. If you closed your eyes right now, could you list off every single item in your home that you own? If you’re like most of us, you can't.
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