In order to properly value your personal possessions, you have to go through the tedious, difficult process of documenting what you own. The following list could be very helpful in identifying what you own and, more importantly, be used as proof of loss in case disaster strikes such as a serious storm, theft, or fire.
If you print and complete this list, make a couple of copies, keeping one or two at a location away from your home. If you also want to keep a copy at your home, use an insulated safe (small ones are sold for in-home storage of important papers). Another good location is to put a copy in a plastic bag and keep it in your freezer (which can offer extra protection in case of fire or other form of loss). Another source of storage for an inventory list is on the internet (via the Cloud).
Besides listing what you own, it's also good to do the following:
- take pictures of and/or videotape your possessions
- keep your sales receipts
- keep your warranty information
- get appraisals and keep them current (appropriate for expensive property)
For items which you don't have receipts or product information, include information on when and where you bought the property.
It may seem like a lot of work, but you'll be happy to have this gold mine of information to assist your insurer in giving you protection against loss of your possessions.
General Personal Property Inventory
Inventory completed by______________________
Date completed____________________________
$__________Sofa, couches, etc.
$__________Chairs
$__________Tables, end tables, etc.
$__________Desks, secretaries
$__________Chests, cabinets
$__________Cupboards, buffet, etc.
$__________Lamps
$__________Pictures, wall hangings
$__________Clocks
$__________Decorations
$__________Books
$__________Draperies, curtains, blinds
$__________Rugs
$__________CD players, DVD players and accessories
$__________Radios
$__________Televisions
$__________Digital Recorders
$__________Home entertainment accessories (speakers, digital equipment)
$__________Computers, scanners, copiers, monitors, printers, speakers
$__________Other computer accessories
$__________Computer game systems and accessories
$__________Table linens
$__________China, chinaware
$__________Crystal, glassware
$__________Kitchen appliances
$__________Small appliances
$__________Cookware
$__________Cutlery, utensils, etc.
$__________Beds, mattresses
$__________Dressers, vanities
$__________Bedding, blankets, linens
$__________Bath towels, linens
$__________Suits (men's, women's)
$__________Coats (men's, women's)
$__________Dresses
$__________Jackets, sweaters
$__________Skirts, slacks
$__________Shirts, blouses
$__________Hats, gloves
$__________Purses, wallets
$__________Costume jewelry
$__________Robes, lounging wear
$__________Shoes, boots, slippers
$__________Luggage
$__________Sports equipment
$__________Miscellaneous effects
$__________TOTAL Valuables and Treasures
$__________Fine jewelry (list items separately at the bottom of the page)
$__________Valuable furs (list items separately at the bottom of the page)
$__________Art treasures
$__________Silver, silverware
$__________Camera equipment
$__________Guns and accessories
$__________Musical instruments
$__________Stamp collection
$__________Coin collection
$__________TOTAL
$__________GRAND TOTAL OF ALL ABOVE
List specific items and value below:
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