Before a loss
How should you document your belongings before something happens?
Do it while the home, belongings and paperwork are still in front of you. A simple room-by-room inventory can preserve details that are difficult to reconstruct after theft, fire, severe weather or another loss.
Room by room
Start with coverage, then add detail.
NAIC recommends documenting belongings with photographs and information such as brand, price, purchase date, model, serial number and receipts. FEMA preparedness guidance also recommends making a record of personal property for insurance purposes and taking photos or video of the home and belongings.
Do not wait for a perfect inventory. Start with broad room photos or video, then add higher-value and harder-to-replace items.
- Photograph each room from more than one angle
- Open closets, cabinets, garages and storage areas
- Capture model and serial-number labels
- Save receipts and order confirmations
- Add appraisals for appropriate valuable property
- Update the inventory after major purchases, moves or renovations
Connect records to the item
A photo is stronger when the supporting records are easy to find.
For important purchases, connect the photograph to the receipt, serial or model number, warranty, appraisal and later service records. That turns a folder of unrelated files into a usable item history.
NAIC advises keeping home-inventory information in a safe, accessible location. EnsureLoc provides one secure location for organizing those records, accessible anywhere.
Keep it current
An old inventory can miss the things that matter most.
Review the inventory periodically and after meaningful changes: major purchases, sales, renovations, moves, appraisals and insurance updates.
If a loss occurs, follow the insurer’s instructions. EnsureLoc organizes records but does not provide claims services or guarantee an insurance outcome.
Common questions
Questions people ask
What should I photograph for a home inventory?
Photograph rooms, major belongings, valuable items, model or serial labels and relevant supporting documents. Include areas people often forget, such as garages, closets, attics and storage spaces.
Should I record serial numbers?
Yes, where available. Serial and model numbers can help identify specific products and distinguish similar items.
How often should I update my inventory?
Update it after major purchases, sales, moves, renovations or other significant changes, and review it periodically.
Where should I keep the inventory?
Keep it somewhere that remains accessible if your home or device is unavailable. The appropriate storage approach depends on your security, privacy and access needs.
Related guides
Build the records behind the answer.
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