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I know that I've been gone for a while -- my mother passed away on June 6th, and I've been absolutely overwhelmed dealing with everything. I'm just about ready to return to my normal life, and that means that my blogs will be returning too. I look forward to reconnecting with my site visitors -- keep an eye out for me in late September!

If any of your belongings are ever stolen, damaged by fire or flood, or destroyed by a natural disaster -- good luck filing an insurance claim! Just kidding -- but you are more likely to get full compensation if you can produce a home inventory, listing all of your possessions and their value.

A Household Inventory -- What For?

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  in case of theft, disaster, or other property loss
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  you will need to tell the insurance company what you owned to file a claim
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  have to show value, condition, etc. to be accurately reimbursed

Documenting Your Possessions

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  go from room to room photographing or videotaping each
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  open each cabinet, drawer, and closet for a close-up shot
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  take individual pictures of particularly valuable items
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  include pictures of serial numbers on electronics and appliances
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  don't forget larger items in the garage, basement, or outbuildings
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  write a description of each item with serial number and brand name

Items To Have Appraised

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  artwork and oriental rugs
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  antiques and collectibles
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  jewelry and furs
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  stamp and coin collections
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  silverware
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  any other valuable or irreplaceable items

Items To Include In Your Inventory

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  clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry
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  household furnishings, home decor, and fixtures
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  games, toys, exercise machines, and recreational equipment
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  kitchenware, appliances, and cooking implements
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  glassware, cutlery, dishes, and other tableware
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  books, CDs, video tapes, and other media
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  lawn care items, tools, and outdoor equipment
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  items stored away in your basement, garage, or attic
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  personal items, memorabilia, family heirlooms
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  antiques, art, and collectibles
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  vehicles -- motorbikes, bicycles, boats, ATVs, etc.
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  holiday decorations and seasonal items
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  outdoor improvements -- decks, outbuildings, landscaping
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  anything else that you own

Protecting Your Investment

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  inventory will be necessary if you have to file an insurance claim
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  store original inventory in a fire safe or safe deposit box
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  can also give a copy to your insurance agent or a family member
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  keep a copy of your homeowner's insurance with the original inventory
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  whenever you buy something new, photograph it
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  put the new photo and a copy of the receipt in with your inventory
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  review and update your entire inventory yearly
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  increase your homeowner's insurance, if necessary

Proving The Value Of Your Valuables

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  prepare an aggregate estimated value for all of your belongings
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  for especially valuable items, get a certified appraisal
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  store receipts for expensive items with the inventory
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  note the purchase date and price of each item

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