How-to
A home inventory in an afternoon
Make a home inventory in an afternoon by walking the house with your phone, starting with the most valuable things.
Satisfy+ Editorial · Published June 3, 2026 · 2 min read · 3 hr to do
Satisfy+ is not an insurance agent, broker or adjuster. Your policy's wording controls.
At a glance
- Time
- An afternoon
- Skill
- Beginner
- Update
- Once a year, and when you buy something valuable
After a fire, a flood or a burglary, the insurer asks what you lost and what it was worth. A home inventory is that list, made while everything is still in front of you. The more detail it holds, the easier it is for the insurer to evaluate the loss.
What you need
- A phone that takes photos and video
- A notes app, a spreadsheet or a printed form, one page per room
- The folder or email inbox where you keep receipts
Steps
- 1
Start with the most valuable things
Begin with jewelry, art, antiques, collections and electronics.
30 min
- 2
Walk the house one room at a time
Finish each room, such as the kitchen, a bedroom or the garage, before you start the next. Record a slow video of the room, describing what's in it as you go, then open the closets and drawers and record those too. Count clothing by type, and note the especially valuable pieces.
90 min
- 3
Write down what the camera can't see
For each item, note the brand, the make and model, where you bought it, the date and what you paid. Photograph the serial number label, usually on the back or bottom of electronics and appliances.
30 min
- 4
Gather the receipts and appraisals
Add copies of the receipts and appraisals, with the model names and serial numbers. Email receipts count, so search your inbox for the bigger purchases.
20 min
- 5
Store a copy outside the house
Keep a copy with your insurance information somewhere besides your home, such as online, in a safe deposit box or with a relative, so you can reach it even if you can't go back.
10 min
- 6
Open the stored copy from another device
If you can see the room videos and the list, the inventory is done.
5 min
Make the home inventory
- Make the home inventory
- Update the home inventory
Keeping it current
Review and update the list once a year, photos and videos included, and any time you buy something new. Add the receipts for repairs and new items as you go, because they are proof for a claim.
If a storm is already coming
There may be no time for a full list. Quickly record a video or photos of every room before you leave, and talk through what is in each cupboard as you film.
FAQ
Do renters need an inventory?
Yes. A renters policy covers your belongings, and the inventory shows what they were.
Is a video enough on its own?
It is a good start. Add the brand, model and price for the expensive items, because a video doesn't show what you paid.
What if there was no inventory and everything is gone?
Rebuild the list from memory, one room at a time. Photos on your phone, and pictures family or friends took inside the house, show what was there. Online retailers' prices help estimate what each item cost.
Sources
Checked October 20, 2026
- Insurance Information Institute (insurer-funded). How to create a home inventory (2026)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. For rent: protecting your belongings with renters insurance (2024)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Disaster preparedness (2024)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners. What you need to know when filing a homeowners claim (2022)
- Owner
- Beginner
- Tenant
- Free
- DIY
