When filing an insurance claim, you need proof. Not just photos of damage proof you owned specific items and what they were worth.
Most homeowners learn this the hard way. Less than half maintain any kind of home inventory, which means they're guessing when disaster strikes.
This checklist shows you exactly what to document, why it matters, and how to do it without spending weeks on paperwork.
Why You Need This Checklist
Insurance companies require proof of ownership and value before paying claims. Without documentation:
- Claims take months instead of weeks
- Payouts are reduced or denied
- You forget half of what you owned
The average homeowner owns $30,000-50,000 worth of personal belongings. Can you list everything from memory? Most people can't.
The Complete Home Inventory Checklist
Use this room-by-room guide to document everything with value. You don't need to do it all at once—start with your most valuable items and add more as you go.
Living Room & Family Room
Furniture:
- Couches and chairs
- Coffee tables and end tables
- Bookshelves and entertainment centers
- Rugs and window treatments
Electronics:
- TV and sound system
- Gaming consoles
- Streaming devices
- Speakers
Décor:
- Artwork and wall hangings
- Lamps
- Decorative items
Pro Tip: Take wide-angle photos of the entire room, then close-ups of valuable items with brand labels or serial numbers visible.
Kitchen & Dining Room
Appliances:
- Refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave
- Dishwasher
- Coffee maker, toaster, blender
- Specialty appliances (stand mixer, food processor, air fryer)
Cookware & Dishes:
- Pots, pans, and baking sheets
- China, glassware, and flatware (especially valuable sets)
- Knives and utensils
Furniture:
- Dining table and chairs
- Bar stools
- Buffet or hutch
Don't Forget: Small appliances add up fast. A quality coffee maker, knife set, and mixer can total $500-1,000 alone.
Bedrooms
Furniture:
- Bed frame and mattress
- Dressers and nightstands
- Desk and chairs
- Mirrors
Electronics:
- Phones and tablets
- Laptop or desktop computers
- Alarm clocks and smart home devices
Clothing & Accessories:
- Designer or luxury clothing
- Shoes and handbags
- Jewelry and watches
- Coats and outerwear
Storage Tip: For clothing, photograph sections of your closet and estimate total value by category (e.g., "business clothes: ~$2,000"). You don't need to list every shirt.
Home Office
Electronics:
- Computer and monitors
- Printer and scanner
- Cameras and photography equipment
- Charging cables and accessories
Furniture:
- Desk and chair
- Filing cabinets and shelves
Important Documents:
- Insurance policies
- Receipts for major purchases
- Warranties and manuals
- Appraisals for valuables
Garage & Outdoor Areas
Tools & Equipment:
- Power tools
- Hand tools
- Lawn mower and yard equipment
- Ladders and workbenches
Vehicles:
- Cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats
- Bikes and scooters
Outdoor Furniture & Equipment:
- Patio furniture
- Grills and outdoor kitchens
- Sports equipment (kayaks, skis, golf clubs)
- Pool or hot tub
Common Mistake: People forget to document garage contents. This is often where thousands of dollars in tools and equipment sit unrecorded.
Basement & Storage Areas
Holiday Decorations
Sports & Hobby Gear
Seasonal Clothing
Stored Furniture
Boxes of Keepsakes
Reality Check: Just because it's in storage doesn't mean it's worthless. Holiday decorations, sports gear, and stored furniture can total $5,000-10,000.
Specialty Items That Need Extra Documentation
Some items require more than photos—they need receipts, appraisals, or detailed descriptions:
Jewelry & Watches
- Engagement and wedding rings
- Luxury watches
- Inherited pieces
- Get professional appraisals for items worth $1,000+
Collectibles
- Coins, stamps, cards
- Art and antiques
- Vintage toys or memorabilia
- Wine collections
Musical Instruments
- Guitars, keyboards, drums
- Professional equipment
- Vintage or rare instruments
Firearms
- Make, model, and serial number required
- Photos of each firearm
- Receipts if available
How to Document Each Item
For every item you record, include:
✅ Item name (Samsung 65" TV, Black Diamond Engagement Ring, DeWalt Drill Set)
✅ Approximate value (what it would cost to replace today)
✅ Photo (front, serial number if visible)
✅ Receipt or proof of purchase (if you have it)
✅ Location (master bedroom, garage, safe)
You don't need receipts for everything. Insurance companies accept reasonable value estimates for most items.
The Fastest Way to Complete This Checklist
Option 1: Paper Method (Basic)
- Print this checklist
- Go room by room with your phone camera
- Write items and values on paper
- Store in a safe place (preferably off-site)
Downsides: Paper can be destroyed. Updating is tedious. Hard to share with insurance companies.
Option 2: Cloud-Based Method (Recommended)
- Use a secure platform like Big TOA
- Upload photos directly from your phone
- Add values and notes as you go
- Access from anywhere if disaster strikes
Upsides: Survives fires and floods. Easy to update. Generates insurance-ready reports instantly.
How Big TOA Simplifies This Entire Checklist
Instead of tracking items on paper or spreadsheets, Big TOA organizes everything for you:
- 📸 Upload photos from your phone
- 🏷️ Organize by room or category automatically
- 💰 Track values and update when needed
- 📄 Generate instant reports for insurance claims
- 🔒 Store securely in the cloud with bank-level encryption
- 📱 Access anywhere - even if your home is destroyed
Start for free: Document up to 20 items at no cost. If you need more, upgrade anytime.
Start Your Free Home Inventory Checklist →
Common Questions
Q: Do I really need to document everything?
Focus on items worth $50+. You don't need to photograph every fork, but you should document your kitchen appliances, electronics, and furniture.
Q: What if I don't have receipts?
That's normal. Take photos and estimate what it would cost to replace the item today. Insurance companies accept reasonable estimates.
Q: How long does this take?
Most people complete a basic inventory (high-value items) in 30-60 minutes. A complete room-by-room inventory takes 2-3 hours spread over a few sessions.
Q: Should I update my inventory annually?
Yes—or at least after major purchases (new TV, furniture, jewelry, tools). Takes 5 minutes and protects thousands.
Q: Can renters use this checklist too?
Absolutely. Renters' insurance requires the same proof of ownership as homeowners' insurance.
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Every year, thousands of families file insurance claims without proper documentation. They recover a fraction of their losses because they can't prove what they owned.
You can prevent that. Spend an hour today using this checklist, and you'll have what you need when disaster strikes.
Get Started Free - No Credit Card Required →
References
- Insurance Information Institute. Home Inventory Best Practices. 2024. www.iii.org
- FEMA. Protect Your Property: Documentation Guide. 2024. www.fema.gov
- Consumer Reports. How to Create a Home Inventory. 2024.