How to Create a Home Inventory

We are deeply saddened by the 2025 fires in our beloved Los Angeles. The devastating loss of our community’s homes and businesses is heartbreaking and difficult to comprehend. For many, the loss of treasured belongings has become an all-too-real possibility, making preparation for the unexpected an even greater priority in everyone’s mind.

One key step to protecting yourself is to create a home inventory. A home inventory is an itemized list of your possessions. This record helps track what you own. While we hope to never need it for insurance purposes, a detailed home inventory provides peace of mind. Here is a straightforward guide to creating your own home inventory.

Step 1: Start Small

The idea of documenting everything you own might feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to do it all at once. Begin with one small area, like a kitchen drawer or a bedroom closet, and work your way through your home over time. Small, consistent steps will get the job done.

Step 2: Use Tools You Already Have

Your smartphone can be your best friend for this project. Use the camera to take photos or videos of your belongings. Narrate as you record, describing key details like make, model, and serial numbers. Apps like Sortly and Nest Egg allow you to categorize items effortlessly, and spreadsheets like Google Sheets can also help you organize your inventory.

Step 3: Focus on High-Value Items

While it’s ideal to document everything, prioritize items of high value, including:

Electronics: TVs, computers, sound systems, and cameras.
Furniture: Beds, sofas, dining tables, and antiques.
Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
Jewelry and collectibles: Rings, watches, art, handbags, and family heirlooms.
Important documents: Titles and deeds.
Sentimental items: Family photo albums, keepsakes, and irreplaceable mementos.

Step 4: Get Detailed

The best home inventories include detailed descriptions of each of your belongings. Record the manufacturer, serial number, date of purchase, and estimated replacement cost. Make note if your item was appraised at the time of purchase.

Step 5: Keep Records Safe

Once you’ve compiled your home inventory, store it in a secure location. Options include:

A digital cloud service.
An external hard drive kept off site.
Physical copies in a waterproof and fireproof safe.

Step 6: Include Proof of Value

For insurance purposes, gather receipts, appraisals, or photos of price tags. If you no longer have receipts, include your best estimate of each item’s value. Smartphone apps like Dropbox can help you scan and store receipts efficiently. This documentation will streamline the claims process and help ensure you receive fair compensation.

Step 7: Don’t Forget the Small Stuff

Often overlooked are everyday items that add up in replacement costs, like clothing, kitchenware, and linens. Take group photos or videos of these items to capture their quantity and condition. Include children’s toys, gadgets, and other essentials, as well.

Step 8: Update Regularly

Your home inventory isn’t a one-and-done project. Schedule time every six months to update it, especially after making significant purchases.

Final Thoughts

Creating a home inventory might seem like a daunting task, but it’s an investment in peace of mind. Should you ever face an emergency, having this record will save you time, stress, and possibly money. You could start today with just one drawer or closet and build from there. If you would like help creating a home inventory, please reach out. We are always here for you to offer a helping hand.

Photograph by Antoni Shkraba

For some additional ideas, check out these blogs featuring important items and documents that I like to prepare in case of emergency, especially after I’ve digitized what I can:

And here are some of my favorite options for digitizing photos and memorabilia:

Taking stock of valued possessions is a journey and, at times, can be a nice trip down memory lane. Bit by bit, step by step, you’ll be amazed by the peace of mind it brings.

If you’d like to share your progress, I’d love to hear about it! Drop me a line on Instagram or Facebook.