Free tool

Home inventory builder

Go room by room and list what you own, roughly what it would cost to replace, and the serial numbers that matter. When a claim happens, this list is what turns a guess into a payment. Everything saves on this device, and you can print it or export a CSV.

Estimated replacement value

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Nothing is uploaded. Export a copy and store it outside the home so a fire or flood cannot take the inventory with it.

Living room

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Kitchen

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Bedrooms

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Bathrooms

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Office

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Garage or storage

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Outdoor

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Other

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How to document belongings properly

Start with the expensive things: electronics, appliances, jewelry, tools, instruments, and sports gear. These drive most of the claim amount and are the hardest to prove after the fact. Record the brand, model, and serial number while the item is in front of you.

Then take a slow video walkthrough of every room with drawers and closets open, narrating what you see. That footage catches the ordinary contents, such as dishes, linens, and clothing, that nobody lists item by item but that add up to a large part of a contents claim.

Finish by exporting this list, saving it alongside your photos or video in cloud storage, and emailing a copy to someone outside your household. Update it once a year and after any major purchase or renovation.

Common questions about home inventories

What is a home inventory?

A home inventory is a written record of what you own, with quantities, approximate replacement values, serial numbers, and photos. Insurers use it to verify a contents claim after theft, fire, storm, or water damage.

How detailed does a home inventory need to be?

List every item worth more than about $100 individually, then group low-value things by category, such as kitchen dishes or children's clothing. Serial numbers matter most for electronics, tools, and appliances.

Should I use replacement cost or what I paid?

Use what it would cost to buy the item new today. Most policies with replacement cost coverage pay on that basis, and old purchase prices understate your loss.

Where should I store my home inventory?

Keep it somewhere the same disaster cannot destroy: a cloud drive, an emailed copy to a relative, or a USB stick stored outside the home. Export this list and back it up as soon as you finish.

Do renters need a home inventory?

Yes. Renters insurance covers your belongings, not the building, so the claim depends entirely on proving what was in the unit. A list with photos speeds up payment considerably.

Next steps

An inventory only pays off if your coverage and your savings are sized right. See where your household stands across finance, health, housing, caregiving, and social support.