Getting a Home Inventory Will Protect You

Cold winters? Harsh winds? Even if you live in Los Angeles, you need a home inventory to protect your house. If, for some reason, there was an accident in your house, and you lost most of your valuables you will have a really hard time proving how much each thing cost, and how much it meant to you. Prepare yourself for practically anything, because insurance isn't enough.

What is a home inventory?

This is basically a detailed list of all of the personal property located in your home. Besides simply listing all of the things that are valuable to you inside your house (practically everything), you must tell where you stored each valuable. Perhaps you stored those tools you always wanted, or your safe, in your garage.

The list should include your jewelry, antiques, kitchen contents, carpets, computer equipment, television sets, musical instruments, mirrors, snow equipment, sports equipment, furniture, artwork, appliances, clothes, drapes, CD players (and other audio equipment), lawn mowers, linens, clocks, tools, and anything else you consider valuable. Perhaps your grandmother's wedding ring might be extremely valuable to you, although it doesn't cost much now. Anything you consider significant in your house, you should definitely include in your home inventory. Keep in mind that it is very crucial including all of your valued items.

Why do I need an inventory?

The answer to this question is pretty simple. I am absolutely sure that you won't be pleased when you find out that your valuable possession. How do you expect for your insurance company to protect all of your valuable possessions? This is a really important part in any insurance. If you are having trouble picking out what you find most important, just remember that you don't have to limit yourself.

Making the home inventory:

The best way to make your home inventory is probably going room to room and making a list of everything you think is valuable in each room. Open drawers, look under the bed, and look in the closet and storage boxes. You really have to focus on what you think is important. If you picked the bed, you have to thoroughly describe its headboard, footboard, mattress, bedding and linens. These are the things you should include in each item:

• Manufacturer or brand name
• Serial number or model number
• Current value
• Replacement costs
• Proof of purchase (receipt)
• Item description (and quantity)
• Description of how or where the item was attained
• Age of item - date of purchase
• Photocopies or assessments

This a lot harder than it sounds, but when you finally finish making your home inventory, you will feel great knowing that every single one of your prized possessions is safe.

Take a picture:

This usually helps in a home inventory. Try to photograph every single one of your prized possessions and keep them in a safe place. (If digital camera, keep on disc, travel drive, etc...) You can also videotape your item, while mentioning all of the details you are supposed to include in your home inventory (listed above). Don't forget to say what day it was, or for proof, take a shot of that day's newspaper.

Update your inventory and take care of it:

Don't just leave your inventory as it is. Whenever receiving something valuable such as jewelry or expensive clothes, always remember to add these items to your inventory.