Most people couldn’t list what they own if their house burned down tonight. After a fire, flood, or break-in, your insurance company will ask for exactly that: a list of what was lost, what it was worth, and proof that you owned it. A home inventory gives you that list before you need it.

Why a home inventory matters

Without a list, you’re trying to remember every item in every room while you’re dealing with a loss. Things get missed, and missed items don’t get paid for. A good inventory also helps you check whether your coverage limit is high enough for what you actually own.

What to record for each item

• A photo or short video

• Brand, model, and serial number for electronics and appliances

• Where and when you bought it, and what you paid

• The receipt, if you still have it

• An estimated replacement cost for valuable items

Go one room at a time

Don’t try to finish the whole house in one weekend. Pick one room, start at the door, and work your way around. Open the closets, cabinets, and drawers. Take a photo of the whole room first, then photograph the individual items worth more than about $100.

Don’t skip the garage, attic, and shed. Tools, bikes, sporting gear, and holiday decorations add up fast and are easy to forget.

Short on time? Start with the expensive stuff

Begin with jewelry, electronics, appliances, furniture, and collectibles. These matter most in a claim. You can fill in the rest later.

Keep it somewhere safe

An inventory stored in a desk drawer burns with the house. Keep it somewhere you can reach from anywhere, like a secure online account, and make sure someone you trust can get to it too.

Keep it up to date

Add new things when you buy them, and look over your list once a year. Your policy renewal date makes a good reminder.

An easier way to do it

Bluejay was built for exactly this. Snap a photo of each item, save the receipt and serial number, and keep everything organized by room and property. If you ever need it, your list is ready to share with your insurance company in minutes. You can try it free for 14 days.