A step-by-step checklist for documenting your belongings so you're prepared to file an accurate, complete insurance claim.

24 items · 6 essential reviewed 15 Jul 2026 9 sources .md .json

Phase 1: Set Up Before You Start

Choose a recording methodA purpose-built option is the free NAIC Home Inventory app, which makes it easy to create a record of all your belongings, including the ability to scan barcodes and upload photos of your items.
Pick a starting point rather than the whole house at onceA contained area—like your small kitchen appliance cabinet, your sporting equipment closet or your handbag shelf—is a great place to get started; it's better to have an incomplete inventory than nothing at all.
Gather receipts and paperwork for existing big-ticket purchases before you beginSo cost and purchase-date details are on hand while you work room by room.

Phase 2: Document Every Room

Walk through and film or photograph each room, narrating contents as you goIf you have a video camera, you can walk through your house filming and describing the contents at the same time.
Open closets and drawers and record serial numbers of items like appliances and electronicsDon't forget the garage or shed to make note of tools, lawn equipment, and sporting goods.
Record make, model, and serial numbers for major appliances and electronics
Describe each item you recordNote where you bought it, the make and model, what you paid and any other detail that might help in the event you need to make a claim.
Count clothing by general categoryFor example, "5 pairs of jeans, 3 pairs of sneakers…"
Don't forget off-site itemsYour belongings kept in a self-storage facility are covered by your homeowners insurance, too.
Flag high-value items separatelyIt is essential to note expensive items such as jewelry, furs and collectibles since they may require additional insurance.
List legal and financial documents as part of the inventoryIt's important to keep a record of legal documents, such as birth certificates and passports, and financial documents, such as bank accounts and insurance policies.

Phase 3: Verify Coverage While You Work

Check coverage on big ticket itemsJewelry, art and collectibles may have increased in value and may need special coverage separate from your standard homeowners insurance policy; ask your agent whether you need a floater.
Confirm damaged contents belong on the NFIP-specific form if has flood coverageFEMA Form 206-FY-21-106 policyholders use to list the inventory of flood-damaged personal property (also known as contents), which includes the quantity, description, actual cash value and amount.
Cross-check your total inventory value against your policy's personal property coverage limitMany homeowners who experience a total loss are underinsured.

Phase 4: Store and Maintain the Record

Store a copy of your inventory in a safe place outside of your homeWith a friend or in a safe deposit box, or keep it in cloud storage, so it survives if the house itself is destroyed.
Keep receipts filed alongside inventory entriesKeep receipts when they are available and note the cost for the item, when you bought it and other information about the make and model.
Add new purchases to your inventory right awayWhenever you make a significant purchase, remember to add the information to your inventory while the details are fresh in your mind.
Redo a full walkthrough periodicallySince values and contents change over time.

Phase 5: If You Ever Need to File a Claim

Report any crime to the policeIf you are the victim of a theft or your home has been vandalized or burglarized, report it to the police. Get a police report and the names of all law enforcement officers that you speak with.
Avoid throwing out damaged items until the adjuster has visited your home if if possible
Pull your stored inventory and supporting documents immediatelyHaving an up-to-date home inventory will help you get your insurance claim settled faster, verify losses for your income tax return and help you purchase the correct amount of insurance.
Keep a claim diary logging every conversation with the insurer or adjusterPer "CLAIM DIARY" practice recommended for large-dollar claims.
Use FEMA's itemized Contents Worksheet if federally declared disaster or flood claimPolicyholders use this form to list the inventory of flood-damaged personal property in the required format.
Save receipts for what you spendYou may be able to submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement later.

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Sources & upkeep

All 9 sources are re-checked weekly. When one changes a fact this checklist asserts, the step is edited and the change is logged — the revision history is public.

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