Are you prepared if disaster strikes? One way to ensure your home possessions are safeguarded is to create and keep a home inventory. You can learn more about The Importance of a Home Inventory by clicking this link. But how can you get started with a home inventory? Here are some easy steps to take as well as a guideline on what to include.
I found that for me the easiest approach to beginning a home inventory is to do it room by room. First get a three-ring binder and some old fashioned loose leaf paper. (You can also create a home inventory online. I would be happy to share more information about online inventories if you request it in a comment.) Create sections for each room in your home that requires a home inventory list.
The nice thing about using the binder and paper is that if you decided to redecorate, add a new purchase or get rid of something, you can just move the pages around in your binder as needed.
Use one piece of paper for each item. Having extra space will allow for updates as they occur. You should include the following information for each item: A description, the purchase price and date of purchase, where you purchased the item, model and serials numbers and any appraisals, if applicable. Also include the manufacturer and manufacturer’s contact information.
You may also want to include warranty information. I usually keep my warranty information and product manuals filed together and separate from my home inventory, so I just note which file cabinet that information is located in case someone else needs to access it. Also attach a purchase receipt and a photo of the item (use a polaroid or print a digital photo).
Once the initial home inventory is completed (it may take days or weeks), you just have to update it as needed. Store a copy of the inventory in a safe place.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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