A recent survey by top insurance companies found that while more than 90 percent of homeowners are concerned about protecting their homes, only 41 percent had ever 
documented or valued their contents. Claims adjusters are reporting that almost none of their customers have inventory lists. Take a home contents inventory by either making a list of your household items or better yet, using video can cover more in less time. You can even get a discount on your homeowners insurance with a home alarm system.
You can complete a simple home contents inventory that will leave you prepared and allow your insurance company to more easily process your claim. Here are a few important tips to help you get started:
*Use a camera or video recorder to document your belongings. If you are taping your property be sure to narrate it as you walk through your home.
*Open closet doors, drawers, and cabinets to document the contents. Include chandeliers, artwork, china, and silverware.
*Photograph the content of your garage, basement, attic, as well as outdoor furniture, and any other outdoor belongings such as playscapes, trampolines, grills, and anything of value.
*Collect receipts and appraisals for furniture, electronics, antiques, and jewelry. Make notes of personal value such as heirlooms.
*Store your photos and/or videos on a CD or thumb drive and keep them somewhere other than your home, such as a safety deposit box at your bank or another family members home.
*Don’t forget to update with photos and videos of any new purchases.
*If just using photos, make good notes about the brand names, value if you have no receipts, and include the condition of the product.
I hope these tips will help get you started on organizing and securing the proper replacement of your belongings if tragedy strikes your home.
