Do You Really Know What You Have in Your House? Tips for Creating a Home Inventory


Wayne Texeira,
Marketing Director, CFMP, AINS, AIS, API

The other day, I was talking with a friend about some fall cleaning that she was doing around her house. She told me how she found a bunch of things in boxes and closets that she had completely forgotten about. It’s always fun to rediscover…sort of like shopping without spending money.

Of course, my insurance brain kicked in, and I asked her if she had done a home inventory in case she had a fire. “No…when do I have time to do that?” she said. As an insurance person, it’s an occupational hazard that I look at life through a lens of potential risks and “what if” scenarios. Honestly, it’s been about five years since I updated my home inventory, and I need to get it done because I know that I couldn’t name everything I own from memory.

Given our busy lives and the amount of stuff we all have, it can seem impossible to put together an inventory of everything. But doing so helps you ensure you have enough insurance to cover your personal property. If you experience a loss, you’ll be able to settle a claim quicker and be more likely to get reimbursed for what you have.

The easiest way to start is by going through each room in your house, one at a time, making a list of items as you go. Don’t try to do it all in one day. That’s a surefire way to get overwhelmed and give up before you get started. Break the project down over several days or weeks into manageable chunks.

A Few Quick Ideas to Help you Create your Inventory:

  • Take pictures with a time stamp on the image. List the value, serial number, make, and model number on the back of the image. Name the pictures and reference the description if you’re storing it electronically.
  • Take a video camera through your home and verbally describe all the items in your home.
  • If you have an iPhone® download a free app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, NAIC Home Inventory app. It guides you through capturing images, writing descriptions, saving bar codes and serial numbers, and stores them all electronically.
  • Download Murphy Insurance’s home inventory spreadsheet (Adobe) or home inventory spreadsheet (Excel). It’s a simple format for organizing and has other tips on getting your inventory done.

As you go through your house, note any high-value items that may need to be “scheduled” on your home insurance, such as expensive jewelry, antiques, fine arts, and collectibles, and contact your agent to discuss getting them listed.

So, as I tackle my home inventory update, I hope you’ll join me in doing your own.  Don’t put off getting started on your inventory. It’s easy to procrastinate, but think about how good you’ll feel when it’s done!

P.S. Don’t store the only copy of your inventory in your home. You don’t want your inventory and stuff destroyed if there is a fire. Make a copy and give it to a family member or friend, or put it in a safe deposit box.

Read Other Blog Posts

Life Insurance in Groton, MA Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Life Insurance in Groton, MA: Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

For families and individuals in Groton and surrounding communities, life insurance from Murphy Insurance offers more than peace of mind—it provides a solid foundation for long-term financial security. Whether you’re safeguarding loved ones, covering debts, or planning for the future, our personalized life insurance solutions are designed to fit your goals and budget. From affordable term life to permanent protection and full-service planning, our Groton-based team is here to help you protect what matters most with trusted guidance, top-rated options, and local expertise.
Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem—it’s a growing concern across MetroWest, Massachusetts. Whether you live in Framingham, Hudson, or Hopkinton, you may be surprised to learn your home is at risk. Learn how flood insurance can help protect your property from the damage that standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover.
Roundabout

Safe Driving Saves Money

For better or worse, your automobile insurance premium is a direct result of your driving record. While you can’t always prevent every accident or control what happens on the road, safe driving is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect both yourself and your finances. Keep reading to learn how maintain a safe driving record can lower your premium, and—as a result—protect your wallet.
Car driving

Buying a Car? Don’t Forget the Insurance Quote First!

Shopping for a new car can be exciting, but it’s crucial to check in with your agent before finalizing your purchase. Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to insurance costs. Two cars might look similar on the outside, but one could cost you hundreds more per year to insure.
Shovel

Digging on Your Property? Here’s Why “Dig Safe” Should Be Your First Step

Under federal and state law, all homeowners and contractors are required to notify the appropriate utility companies before doing any excavation work. Keep reading to learn more about the standards for digging on your property.
What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Groton MA

What You Need to Know About Condominium Insurance in Acton, MA

If you own a condo in Acton, MA, don’t assume the condo association’s master policy fully protects you. That policy typically covers the building’s exterior and shared spaces, but not the inside of your unit. Without your own Condominium Insurance, you could be on the hook for costly repairs to your walls, floors, or fixtures and replace personal belongings damaged by fire, water, or theft. It’s essential protection that helps ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket when the unexpected happens.
Sparkler 1200

Summer Fun and 4th of July Safety: Celebrating Smart

Summer is a time for BBQs, fireworks, family gatherings, and making the most of long days. Whether you’re heading to the beach, firing up the grill, or watching fireworks with the kids, safety should always be part of your celebration plans. After all, the best memories are the ones made without unexpected trips to the ER. Here’s a quick guide to help you enjoy your Independence Day and summer activities — while keeping everyone safe and sound.
Lightning

Lightning Storm Safety

Lightning storms light up the sky in dramatic fashion, but they’re also dangerous. A lightning strike can cause major injuries like burns, heart issues, or even brain damage. That’s why it’s important to know how to stay safe when one rolls into your area. Follow these helpful tips to help you stay safe.
Car in traffic

Risks of Lowering Auto Coverage

Many drivers look to reduce their auto insurance premiums by lowering coverage or dropping parts of their policy altogether. While it’s true that cutting back can save a few dollars in the short term, the long-term consequences of being underinsured can be financially devastating—especially in the aftermath of a serious accident. Learn about ways you can save without exposing yourself to major financial risk.

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.