The How and Why of a Home Inventory

The How and Why of a Home Inventory

| July 29, 2025

Does the thought of cataloging your possessions make you break out in a cold sweat? We understand. Most people don’t want to spend their afternoons in closets, basements, attics, or the dreaded storage unit.

But making a detailed home inventory can be an important part of having a well-set-up homeowners or renters policy. These can be invaluable if you have a serious claim.

Still worried about weekends surrounded by boxes? Here are some tips to make your home inventory go a little easier:

  • Paparazzi — Love your couch? Take a picture of it. Collect photos of the items you love as you see them. Snap pics of stored items in the basement, clothes you’re swapping out for the season, or tools in the garage when being handy around the house.
  • Add the Essentials — Don’t just take pictures of the thing, but of the parts you’ll never remember simultaneously, such as serial numbers, receipts, appraisals, etc. Make a folder on your phone for these to keep them safe.
  • Add as You Add — Buy a new television? Snap it and add it. As you acquire new things, add them to your pictures and lists to keep your inventory up to date.

While nothing replaces a good old-fashioned list, having pictures and keeping things updated can make a boring task more enjoyable.