Creating Your Home Inventory

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

25 Mar 2009 07:48 AM

Are you prepared if disaster strikes? One way to ensure your home possessions are safeguarded is to create and keep a home inventory. You can learn more about The Importance of a Home Inventory by clicking this link. But how can you get started with a home inventory? Here are some easy steps to take as well as a guideline on what to include.

I found that for me the easiest approach to beginning a home inventory is to do it room by room. First get a three-ring binder and some old fashioned loose leaf paper. (You can also create a home inventory online. I would be happy to share more information about online inventories if you request it in a comment.) Create sections for each room in your home that requires a home inventory list.

The nice thing about using the binder and paper is that if you decided to redecorate, add a new purchase or get rid of something, you can just move the pages around in your binder as needed.

Use one piece of paper for each item. Having extra space will allow for updates as they occur. You should include the following information for each item: A description, the purchase price and date of purchase, where you purchased the item, model and serials numbers and any appraisals, if applicable. Also include the manufacturer and manufacturer's contact information.

You may also want to include warranty information. I usually keep my warranty information and product manuals filed together and separate from my home inventory, so I just note which file cabinet that information is located in case someone else needs to access it. Also attach a purchase receipt and a photo of the item (use a polaroid or print a digital photo).

Once the initial home inventory is completed (it may take days or weeks), you just have to update it as needed. Store a copy of the inventory in a safe place.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

De-Cluttering Boot Camp: I Can't Get Rid of that!

Swapping Out Seasonal Clothing

Granite Countertops May Be Dangerous to Your Health

Protecting Your Appliances and Electronics from Electrical Surges

Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

jonesx6 (1606) 25 Mar 2009 09:35 AM

Your headline grabbed my attention. My husband and I have seriously been praying and considering buying non-perishable foods in case of some sort of disaster should strike our country. Since we are a family of six this would require a lot of food & water. Expense has halted me going and buying anything yet. Obviously we wouldn't able to eat like we "normally" do, but at least having some food would be helpful. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 25 Mar 2009 10:17 AM

There are places where you can buy "disaster kits," although these tend to be very expensive. I try to keep a decent stockpile, both for expense and in case of emergency. I'd be happy to share anything I have learned so far.

jonesx6 (1606) 25 Mar 2009 01:27 PM

Mary Ann, I'd like that. I have to admit I don't like canned goods b/c of the aluminum (sp?). lol Thanks so much. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 26 Mar 2009 03:27 AM

I have very little canned goods. The key is to rotate your stock and make use of your freezer.