Don’t Put Off Creating Your Home Inventory

February 15, 2024||inPersonal Insurance|home inventory, homeowners insurance, personal insurance, renters insurance

Every homeowner, renter, and college student should have an inventory of their possessions. Just imagine…if you had a fire or burglary, would you be able to remember everything you own and what it cost? An inventory can save you time, money, and stress if you have to make a claim.

Get Started…a Partial Inventory is Better than None

Don’t Put Off Creating Your Home Inventory
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Set a time goal – Setting a deadline helps keep you on track.

Break it into pieces – Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all at once. Go room by room. Start with your most valuable possessions.

Get help – Have someone help you take the inventory and review it.

How-To Tips

Create a list: Find a method that works for you. Creating your inventory in an electronic format can make storage, duplication, and inventory updates easy. You can use a spreadsheet and take pictures of your possessions to document details of items, serial numbers, and receipts. If you prefer, a paper document works, too.  Click below for sample home inventory worksheets:

You can search online for an App that guides you through capturing images, descriptions, bar codes, and serial numbers. There are a variety of apps available, so find one that works for you. Keep in mind that it’s a good idea to be able to download your inventory and store it in multiple locations.

What to document: Describe all items, noting make, model, where purchased, and price paid as applicable. List serial numbers for expensive electronics and major appliances. Count clothing items by category, noting high-value items. If you have receipts or appraisals, keep them on your list.

Take photos or video of everything using the time stamp feature if available. Label all images with descriptions. Digital photos are inexpensive and easy to store. Video is excellent for giving verbal descriptions of items. You should do this step first to create a quick inventory.

Document high-value items worth over $500: These items should be described in detail and photographed. High-value items may need to be insured separately since home policies have certain personal property limitations.

Safely store your Inventory: Keep a copy handy for yourself. Most importantly, store your inventory documentation away from your home, where you can always retrieve a copy. You may consider storing it electronically in the cloud, if you have a hard copy, in a safe deposit box, or with someone you trust.

Keep it Up to Date!

Once you’re done, update your inventory when you make big purchases. It’s a good idea to review your list at least every couple of years or when you move. When you’ve completed your inventory, please Contact Us at Murphy Insurance to ensure you have enough insurance to cover all your possessions.

Read Other Blog Posts

Auto Insurance in Hudson MA

Auto Insurance in Hudson, MA: What You Need to Know

If you live in Hudson, MA, or the surrounding areas, securing the right auto insurance is essential. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend traveler, or a first-time driver, having the appropriate coverage ensures protection on the road and compliance with Massachusetts’ legal requirements.
Read more
Car close-up

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run

When you’re involved in a vehicle collision and the other driver takes off without exchanging insurance information, this is commonly referred to as a hit-and-run. Review the following guidance to understand what information to collect and who to contact following a hit-and-run incident.
Read more
Pest Prevention Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pest Prevention | Keep Your Home Pest-Free with Proactive Measures

Pests can cause structural damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks, making proactive prevention essential since home insurance doesn’t cover pest-related damage. Key prevention tips include proper food storage, maintaining outdoor vegetation, regular home inspections, and keeping living spaces clean to minimize pest attraction. For persistent issues, professional pest control may be necessary, and Murphy Insurance is available to provide guidance on home protection and insurance coverage.
Read more
Stairs

How to Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents that occur at home and on the job—especially on staircases. In order to determine whether there are fall hazards within your home, be sure to ask yourself these key questions.
Read more
Outdoor Maintenance: Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Outdoor Maintenance | Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Regular outdoor maintenance not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also prevents costly damage and potential insurance issues. Key tasks include cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, maintaining landscaping, power washing exteriors, and ensuring outdoor structures like fences and decks are in good condition. Staying proactive with seasonal upkeep helps protect your home, reduce long-term repair costs, and maintain insurance coverage eligibility.
Read more
Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot tubs offer relaxation but come with safety and liability risks, including potential injuries, health concerns, and insurance coverage gaps. Key precautions include supervising children, maintaining proper water chemistry, setting safe temperature limits, and enforcing responsible usage to prevent accidents. Homeowners should review their insurance policies and consider additional coverage, such as a personal umbrella policy, to ensure financial protection while enjoying their hot tub safely.
Read more
Car keys

Avoiding Problems When Buying Used Vehicles

While buying a used vehicle will save you money in purchase price and help you avoid depreciation costs, it is important to do your research before you purchase one. To avoid buying a car with hidden problems, consider these purchase precautions.
Read more
Contractor

Avoiding Contractor Fraud

It’s important to stay informed when dealing with contractors to reduce the risk of contractor fraud. Use these tips to avoid contractor fraud concerns.
Read more
Car tire side-view

Common Auto Insurance Terms

Auto insurance can be confusing at times. Policies often contain a variety of terms that can be difficult to understand, especially for someone without a background in insurance. The following is a list of common auto insurance terms to keep in mind the next time you meet with your insurance broker.
Read more

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.