Posted on: Thursday, April 21, 2005

List of all home items often handy

By Elizabeth Betts Hickman
Gannett News Service

Creating a home inventory is one of those things you've probably thought about but just never done.

You're not alone. All too often, we don't think about doing an inventory of what we have until we need a list — really need it, say, after a fire or theft.

You need an inventory even if you're in an apartment, rent a house, own a small home or run a small business from your home.

If you don't have your possessions documented and you do experience a loss, you'll be facing hours of extra work reconstructing your rooms in your mind, then convincing your insurance company that yes, you really did have a big-screen TV.

Here are some pointers:

• Whether you hire someone to do the whole process for you, hire someone just to do the photography or videotaping, purchase software to do it yourself, or simply go through your home with a notebook, a pen and a camera to photograph your furniture, appliances, electronics and accessories, take the time now to create your inventory.

Do every room, including your attic, basement and garage. The goal is to make a record of everything you own. Keep in mind that a professional service might be able to complete the job within a day for less than $500.

• Be thorough. If something happens, "your insurance company will ask you for a list of the contents of your house," says Carol Hagen, CEO of Visnu Limited, which markets a full menu of inventory services, as well as the Curatorial Management System, a simple but comprehensive do-it-yourself software package to track assets.

• Be careful about how your inventory is stored. Experts recommend keeping a copy in your safety deposit box or a fireproof box at your home. Some services (www.assetverification.com is a national one) offer the option of storing a copy electronically, but learn their privacy policies.