Article Library Video Library Definitions

How to Create a Home Inventory

Author

Laurel Flowers - State Farm Insurance

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Laurel Flowers - State Farm Insurance

Posted on

Dec 06, 2024

Book/Edition

Alabama - Gulf Coast

Email US

Click to Email Us

How to Create a Home Inventory

A home inventory can expedite insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss.

Imagine needing to list every possession in your home or apartment, along with each item's worth after your belongings have been stolen or destroyed in a tornado, wildfire or other natural disaster. That task may seem impossible, so it is best to make the list before you need it. Below we've answered your basic questions on why and how you should create a home inventory.

Why do I need an inventory of my home or apartment?

A home inventory is an excellent way to help make home insurance and renters insurance coverage decisions and expedite the insurance claims process after theft, damage or loss. This record of your insurable assets will not only help you in the settlement of a covered loss or claim but may also help verify tax-deductible property losses and determine the right amount of insurance coverage you need.

How do I create a home inventory?

The first step is to decide on what type of inventory would be easiest for you to create. A home inventory can be as simple as a list of all your possessions or a visual record for each item, but an effective home inventory should include both for added security. Today, there are even digital tools to help simplify the process of maintaining the list.

A written inventory: A comprehensive home inventory list catalogs your belongings and should include the item description (make, model and serial number, if applicable), value and purchase date. You can create your own list using a spreadsheet or fill out a home inventory checklist that's ready to go.

A digital inventory: If you have an iPhone or Android phone, there are apps that can be downloaded to your phone, some of which are free. These mobile home inventory apps allow you to record a photograph of the item along with the description, value and purchase date.

A visual record: A visual record of your possessions shows proof of ownership. This can be accomplished with a video walk-through of your home or through a series of photographs.

Once you decide on the type of home inventory you want to create, according to the Insurance Information Institute, there are some simple steps you can take to start the process. Don't forget to include the items in your basement, attic, garage and any detached structures, such as tool sheds. Also, pay special attention to your most valuable possessions, such as antiques, art, jewelry, collectibles and electronic equipment. If you have any questions about which items are covered by your policy, contact your insurance agent.

Record possessions as you pack to move into a new place: When moving to a new apartment or home, take a couple of extra minutes to record the belongings in each room.

Pick one area at a time to record: You can start with a hall closet or small kitchen cabinet. Then, after capturing your belongings in that room, move on to the next.

Record each item as you redecorate: Whether you are redecorating your apartment or a room, note each purchase you make and save the receipts. It will give you a jump start on your home inventory.

Record recent purchases: Get into the habit of recording new purchases. Then, as necessary, go back and record your older, undocumented possessions. Along with the record, be sure to store sales receipts and appraisals (including the appraiser's name and address) to help verify the value of each item.

Record important information: Provide a general description, where you bought it, the make and model, and what you paid for the item. Include the serial number if the item has one.

Record the number of each clothing type: List, for example, "five pairs of jeans, three pairs of sneakers…" Make note of items that are especially valuable.

Include stored items as well: Things kept in your basement, attic, garage and other detached structures may not be at the top of your mind; however, you should record those items as well. If you have items in a self-storage unit, make sure to include them as they are usually covered under your home insurance policy.

Use technology to create your digital home inventory.

Take pictures. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets or drawers. Label your photos with what's pictured, where you bought it, the make or model and the serial number.

Take video. Walk through your house or apartment recording and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: "Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup and saucer, purchased in 2015."

Use an app. There are many mobile app options that can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.

How should I store my home inventory?

Don't let your home inventory become part of a property loss. Whichever inventory method you choose, it's important to keep a copy in a fireproof safe, safety deposit box or digitally in the cloud. You can even email your inventory to your insurance agent. Sending the list has the added value of allowing your inventory to be examined by your agent to see if you need extra home or renters coverage or to add a Personal Articles Insurance policy.

If you need information about homeowners, rental, and auto insurance, call a Five Star Rated Agent: Laurel Flowers – State Farm Insurance Agent at 251-675-4736.

To view the original version of this article visit www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/home-inventory-how-to-create-one
Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.

Other Articles You May Like

Financial Services in Boulder, CO

A move, a change in care needs, or the loss of a spouse can turn a familiar retirement budget into a list of new decisions. Before meeting with a financial professional, identify the question you want answered. You might need to understand what a move would do to your monthly expenses or how much flexibility you have if care costs rise.What Financial Services CoverFinancial services can include financial planning, investment advice, insurance, or help with other money decisions. The scope depends on the professional and the firm. If your immediate question is about paying an overdue bill or applying for a public benefit, a local assistance program may be the better first call. If youre weighing how to use savings or investment accounts over time, ask whether an adviser can address that specific question. Jetty Financial - Rich GaldieriPhone: 303-710-5015Richard Galdieris public professional profile identifies Jetty Financial. The SECs Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database identifies him under CRD number 8206153 with Global View Capital Management LLC in Lafayette, Colorado. Ask which firm would provide the service and appear on your written agreement. The firms name gives you the information you need to review the right disclosures and direct follow-up questions. Ask What the Engagement IncludesDescribe the decision youre facing and ask what the professional can provide in writing. That may mean a one-time review, a planning engagement, or ongoing investment management, depending on the firms services. Ask which fees apply, how they are calculated, and whether any products or third parties carry separate costs. Investor.gov offers a tool to check registration and review relationship disclosures. Why This Matters in BoulderIf youre deciding whether to stay in your Boulder home or move closer to family, use actual costs for both options. For your current home, pull recent bills for taxes, insurance, maintenance, and any paid help. For a move, gather quotes for housing and services you expect to use. Put one-time expenses, such as moving or preparing the house for sale, on their own list so you can compare recurring costs clearly.How to Get Started1. Put Your Main Question on One PageList income sources, regular expenses, and the change you expect in the next year. Bring rough figures to an introductory conversation and ask how the firm handles confidential documents before sending account statements.2. Confirm Fees and ResponsibilitiesAsk who will work with you, what you will receive, and how much the engagement is expected to cost. If you are considering ongoing services, ask how often you would meet and what happens if you end the relationship.3. Take Time to Review the AgreementRead the written scope and fee terms before deciding. If your question also involves taxes or legal documents, identify which parts you should take to a tax professional or an attorney. Related Seniors Blue Book Categories Financial Services Elder Law Estate Planning

Financial Assistance in Boulder, CO

A utility bill can be manageable one month and hard to cover the next. If youre living on a fixed income or helping an older family member sort through overdue notices, start with the bill or expense that has the closest deadline. The City of Boulders Older Adult Services case managers can help eligible residents understand what assistance may be available and where to apply.What Financial Assistance Can Help WithFinancial assistance programs help eligible households cover essential expenses or connect with resources that reduce those costs. Programs may address a one-time problem, such as a bill that came due unexpectedly, or an ongoing need, such as difficulty paying for groceries. Each program sets its own rules and deadlines. A case manager can help you identify which applications are worth pursuing.City of Boulder Older Adult ServicesPhone: 303-441-4388 The citys Older Adult Services team works with Boulder residents age 60 and older and their caregivers. Case managers provide information and referrals, help people understand available options, and offer short-term case management. The city also provides financial assistance for eligible clients. Its published screening criteria include age, residency, income, and the type and circumstances of the request. What to Bring Up on the First CallDescribe the immediate problem in plain terms. I received a shutoff notice with a date next week gives a case manager a clearer starting point than I need help with bills. If the same expense has become hard to cover every month, say so. That gives the case manager a chance to discuss ongoing resources as well as any immediate options.Why This Matters in BoulderA Boulder mailing address and residence within Boulder city limits can mean different things for eligibility. If youre unsure whether your address qualifies, give the case manager your street address before gathering paperwork. Older adults who live elsewhere in Boulder County can start with the countys Area Agency on Aging for help identifying resources that serve their address. How to Get Started1. Find the DeadlineHave the most recent bill or notice handy. Write down the amount due, the due date, and any shutoff date or other deadline shown. Tell the case manager about the deadline at the beginning of your call.2. Ask What Documents You NeedCall 303-441-4388 and ask which documents the city needs for your particular request and how to submit them. Keep copies of any application and the name of the person you spoke with.3. Confirm the Next StepBefore you hang up, ask who will follow up, how to check the status, and whether there is another program to contact in the meantime. If you are calling for someone else, ask whether they need to join the call or give permission for staff to discuss their application. Related Seniors Blue Book Categories Area Agencies on Aging Care Management Care Coordination

December 31 is a deadline for your estate plan, not just your taxes

Every year, plenty of families with taxable estates let one of their simplest planning tools expire quietly on December 31.I'm talking about the annual gift tax exclusion. Each person can give up to a set amount to as many people as they like each year without using any of their lifetime exemption. A married couple can effectively double it.Here's the part people miss. It doesn't carry forward. If this year's exclusion isn't used by December 31, it's gone, and January 1 simply starts a new one.So for a couple with children and grandchildren, that's real wealth that can move out of a taxable estate each year, with no complicated structure required. Skip a few years and you can't go back and claim them.It isn't free of trade-offs. Money you give away is money you no longer control, and gifts to younger family members raise fair questions about timing, trusts and readiness. Which is why the gift and the plan should be decided together, not rushed the week before New Year's.One more thing. The gift generally needs to be completed within the year, not just intended. A plan in December isn't the same as a transfer.If you have a taxable estate and haven't looked at this yet, there's still time for a conversation, ideally with your tax professional and estate attorney involved too.Thomas Kluttz, CFP, ChFC, CTFA Analog Capital Partners Naples, FloridaAnalog Capital Partners LLC is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Additional information is available in the firm's Form ADV and client relationship summary, available upon request. CRD #8199461.

View Details

Laurel Flowers - State Farm Insurance Agent

Life Insurance

Are you looking for reliable insurance coverage for your home, business, or auto needs? Look no further than Laurel Flowers, your local State Farm Agent with a stellar 5-star rating! As a hometown resident of Saraland, AL I am proud to serve the Mobile, AL area including Saraland, Satsuma, Chickasaw, Semmes, Bay Minette, and even the Eastern Shore area. However, our customers expand all over the Alabama area and in to Mississippi. I am a graduate of Satsuma High School and went on to earn undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Business Finance as well as a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Mobile. I've been in the insurance industry since 2008 where I got my start working in a small agency in Daphne, AL. From then on it was my dream to one day open my own agency. After years of saving and learning the business I was able to open Laurel Flowers State Farm in the heart of my hometown Saraland, AL. Since then we've grown to a team of 7 licensed insurance professionals that care about this community!Our agency strives to do things differently. It is my job not only to have a relationship with our customers and provide excellent customer service but to create value for them by helping create a personalized plan to protect their income and assets and help them achieve their goals. We can help with car insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, and small business insurance as well as boat insurance, atv insurance, trailer insurance, and other recreational insurance policies.Laurel Flowers and her team are dedicated to providing top-notch service and personalized insurance solutions that fit your unique needs. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Laurel has earned the trust and admiration of countless satisfied clients. Whether you're protecting your home, securing your business, or ensuring your vehicle is covered, Laurel Flowers is here to help.Why choose Laurel Flowers State Farm Agency?5-Star Ratings: Exceptional service has earned her a 5-star rating from clients who appreciate her dedication and expertise. Personalized Solutions: Laurel and her team will take the time to understand your specific needs and tailors insurance plans that provide the best coverage for you. Local Expertise: As a local agent, they know the community and can offer insights and advice that are relevant to your area. Comprehensive Coverage: From home and business insurance to auto coverage, Laurel Flowers State Farm Agency has you covered with a wide range of options.Don't settle for less when it comes to your insurance needs. Choose Laurel Flowers, the State Farm Agent with a proven track record of excellence. Contact Laurel today to get started on securing your future with the best insurance coverage available.Give my office a call today at 251-675-4736 and talk to one of our exceptional team members about your insurance.

View Details