Home inventory list for insurance: a free room-by-room checklist
If your home is damaged or robbed, your insurer will usually ask you to list what you lost, with proof. That's hard to do from memory. Spend an evening on this checklist now and you won't have to try.
What to record for each item
- What it is, plus the brand and model
- The serial number, for electronics, appliances and tools
- When you bought it and what you paid
- A photo, and a close-up of the label
- Proof of purchase, like a receipt, an order email or a card statement
- What it would cost to replace today
Room-by-room checklist
Living room
TV and streaming devices, game consoles, speakers, furniture, rugs, lamps, decor and art.
Kitchen
Major appliances, small appliances, cookware, knives, dishes, glassware and pantry stock.
Bedrooms
Furniture, mattresses, bedding, clothing and shoes, jewelry and watches, and electronics.
Kids' rooms
Furniture, toys, games, books, electronics and clothing.
Bathrooms
Towels, hair tools and grooming devices, and storage.
Office
Computers, monitors, printers, desk and chair, and anything you own personally (not work-issued gear).
Garage and basement
Power and hand tools, lawn equipment, bikes, sports gear, the freezer and seasonal items.
Outdoor
Grill, patio furniture, play sets and the shed contents.
Replacement value vs. depreciated value
Many policies pay either replacement cost (what it costs to buy new today) or actual cash value (replacement cost minus wear and age). Your policy says which. Recording both gives you a realistic picture before you need it.
Check your coverage limits
Most policies cap certain categories, like jewelry, collectibles, firearms or electronics, below your overall personal-property limit. Add up each category and compare it to your policy. If you're over, ask your agent about a rider.
Want it done in a spreadsheet?
The Home Inventory & Insurance Claim Kit ($12) does the math for you. It works in Excel or Google Sheets and includes depreciation estimates, a coverage-gap check, a claim export and printable room sheets.
Prefer paper?
The Home Inventory Log Book is a paperback on Amazon with room-by-room pages for items, serial numbers and values.
This checklist is general information, not insurance or legal advice. Your policy decides what's covered.