Creating an inventory of your personal property takes a little time—but it’s not difficult and would prove to be very helpful should you experience a loss at your home. Personal property worksheets are available online, or you can create your own. Here are some ideas for how to tackle putting this list together:

1. CATEGORIZE - Big-ticket items (TVs, furniture, firearms, computers, electronics, etc.), Secondary items (appliances, clothing, kid toys, decorative items, etc.)
2. ROOMS - Make your list room-by-room
3. INVENTORY PROFESSIONAL - Hire someone to come into your home and create a list for you
4. RECEIPTS/SERIAL NUMBERS - Keep the serial numbers and/or purchase receipts for your more expensive items can be beneficial

We recommend that you keep your inventory list and receipts in a fire-proof lockbox, a safety deposit box at your bank, online, or store copies with family members or friends that reside outside of your home. Take photos or video of the inside of your home and garage. You can email these to yourself so you will always have proof of what you have in your home. Also, it is a good idea to come up with a system to remind yourself to add any newly acquired items.