Whether you own/rent your home, below is just a partial list of the reasons why you should you have an updated inventory:
- Insurance Claims: If you need to file an insurance claim because you’re the victim of a fire, smoke, theft, flood, tornado, hurricanes, super storm, wildfire, earthquake, mudslide, pipe leakage, etc.
- Determining if properly insured: Most homeowners are not properly insured and many are even under insured. Tracking the details of what you own will help identify your insurance needs.
- Insuring your collections: If you have a collection of high-value items, getting these items with the proper coverage and documentation is critical.
- Understanding the value of your home: Do you actually know what is in your home and the overall value? Keeping an inventory with receipts or estimates can help you understand the overall value of your possessions and fixed assets.
- Calculating net worth: You can’t know exactly what you’re worth if you don’t have an inventory your possessions
- Debt consolidation: You need to understand your belongings in order to properly understand possible liquidation.
- Estate planning: Identifying what you have can help you plan for your future or with those closest to you.
What information should you include? Typically an inventory includes item name, brand name, model number, serial number (if applicable), item description, where/when purchased, cost of purchase, replacement cost, receipt, photograph, etc. I suggest you contact your insurance company to find out exactly what they require should you ever need to file a claim.
How to complete an inventory? The inventory can be as low tech or as high tech as you want it to be. Methods include paper, spreadsheet, software app, etc. Though some feel that photos or videos of their possessions may suffice, I beg to differ. A thoroughly documented Home Inventory (paper, spreadsheet, app, etc.) includes more than just a visual. It contains the details. My Mom used to say “The hard way is the easy way.” So while it may be easier to simply take photos or videos of your possessions, it’s worth the extra time and effort to document the details (cost, receipts, purchase date, purchase price, value, etc.). Obviously, the more complete your inventory is, the easier it will be to file a claim if necessary.
Let 2019 be the year you get prepared. Though completing an inventory may seem daunting and overwhelming, it’s well worth the time and effort. If you want to create your own inventory, here’s a FEMA resource to get your started. If you’d like a thorough inventory completed but simply don’t have the time/desire to do it yourself, please call me. As a Professional Organizer, I offer this as service and would love to discuss the process with you in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
Quote:
“Be Prepared… the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to ace on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.” ~Robert Baden-Powell~
Brenda Tringali, Organizing, Productivity & HR Specialist
At Your Fingertips Organizing
Serving Greater Myrtle Beach, SC or “virtually” anywhere (via phone/video)
Cell/Text: 603.490.6062
Email: Brenda@AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Web: www.AtYourFingertipsOrganizing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AtYourFingertipsOrganizing/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendatringali/
Brenda Tringali is the owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing. She provides Life/Workplace/Residential Organizing & Productivity services to clients in the Myrtle Beach, SC area & “virtually” anywhere via video, phone, etc. Drawing from her 30 years of Human Resources/Staffing experience, she also helps clients with HR/Staffing/Job Search needs as well. Brenda is an active member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals). She is also Chair of the NAPOCares Committee which highlights the community outreach efforts of NAPO members, NAPO Chapters, and NAPO Business Partners as they reach out to share the three “T’s” of Social Responsibility: their Time, Treasures, and Talents.