Make a detailed list of all your household possessions, and keep the list somewhere safe. Such a list will prove invaluable if you ever need to file an insurance claim.
Don't wait until you have damaged, lost, or stolen property to assemble all the details. The stress and anxiety of the moment will make it difficult for you to remember all of your belongings.
Here are tips to help you compose your list:
- Go through your house, room by room, including the garage, basement, attic and off premises storage unit.
- Write down the contents of each room including clothes, jewelry, floor and window treatments, sporting equipment, furniture, electronics, cabinetry, appliances, artwork, antiques and other collectables. Where possible, include the manufacturer and brand, the serial number, the method of acquisition (purchased, inherited or gift), plus the approximate cost or value of the items and the dates you acquired them.
- Take photographs or a video recording of each room, with valuable items prominently displayed.
- Attach photocopies of receipts and appraisals for valuable items and other important family documents, such as your wills, passports and credit cards.
- Store your inventory in a fireproof and watertight safe or safety deposit box.
- Establish a simple method for recording all new major purchases and periodically update your inventory.
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