Quick question: if you had to list everything in your living room right now, from memory, how much would you miss?
Most of us would miss a lot. That's why a home inventory is one of the most useful things you can do for your home insurance, and one of the easiest to put off. It doesn't cost anything, it doesn't take a whole weekend, and if you ever have a fire, a break-in, or major water damage, it can make the claims process a lot less stressful.
Here's a simple way to get it done, plus a few policy questions worth asking while you're at it.
Why a home inventory matters
After a loss, your insurance company will usually ask you to list what was damaged or stolen. Doing that from memory, while you're also dealing with repairs, temporary housing, and everything else, is hard. People forget things, and items you forget to list are items you may not be paid for.
A home inventory helps you:
- Remember what you own. Closets, garages, and storage bins hold more than you'd think.
- Show what you owned. Photos, videos, and receipts help support your claim.
- Check your coverage amount. Once you see it all in one place, you may realize your personal property limit is lower than you'd like.
Step 1: Start with a video walk-through
The fastest way to start is with your phone. Walk through each room and record a slow video. Open closets, cabinets, and drawers. Narrate as you go: "This is the TV we bought in 2024," "This is my grandmother's dining set."
That one video already gives you more than most people have. You can add details later.
Step 2: Go room by room
Once you have the video, build a simple list. A spreadsheet or a notes app works fine. For each room, write down:
- The item and a short description
- Brand and model, if it has one
- Roughly when you bought it and what you paid
- Serial numbers for electronics and appliances
Don't forget the places people usually skip:
- The garage and any storage shed (tools, bikes, lawn equipment, holiday decorations)
- The attic and basement
- Kids' rooms and toy bins
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Kitchen items: small appliances, cookware, dishes
Step 3: Gather receipts and appraisals
You don't need a receipt for everything. But for bigger purchases, save a copy: electronics, furniture, appliances, and anything expensive. Many retailers let you pull past receipts from your online account. A quick photo of a paper receipt works too.
For jewelry, art, collectibles, firearms, or other high-value items, an appraisal or other documentation of value is especially useful. These items often have limits under a standard home or renters policy, which brings us to the next step.
Step 4: Ask about special limits
Many home and renters policies limit how much they'll pay for certain categories of personal property, such as jewelry, watches, firearms, collectibles, or cash, unless those items are listed separately on the policy. The details depend on your policy and your insurance company.
If you have an engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a collection that matters to you, ask us how it's covered today and whether scheduling it separately makes sense.
Step 5: Store it somewhere safe
An inventory that burns up with the house doesn't help much. Save a copy off-site:
- A cloud storage folder or email to yourself
- A copy with a family member you trust
- An inventory app that backs up automatically
Step 6: Update it once a year
Pick a date that's easy to remember. Many people update their inventory when their policy renews, after the holidays, or when the clocks change. Add new purchases, remove things you've sold or donated, and record a fresh video.
Questions to ask about your policy
While your inventory is fresh, it's a great time to check a few things on your home or renters policy:
- What is my personal property coverage limit?
- Does my policy pay replacement cost or actual cash value for belongings?
- Which items have special limits, and should any be scheduled?
- What is my deductible?
If you aren't sure, that's what we're here for.
We're happy to help
At Shadow Lake Insurance, we're an independent agency on Six Forks Road in Raleigh. We work with several insurance companies, so we can review your current home or renters coverage and compare options if something doesn't fit.
Questions about your coverage? Call or text 276-597-9844 or visit shadowlakeinsurance.com.
Coverage subject to policy terms and underwriting. This article is general information, not a description of any specific policy. Review your policy or talk with us about your coverage.