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Home Inventory Tips
- Take One Room at a Time. Make a list of each item in the room. Be as detailed as possible. Open Drawers, closets and built-in cabinets. Also record the contents of under-bed storage boxes and "hope" or cedar chests.
- Be Thorough. Don't forget the garage, storage shed and attic. Often-forgotten items include sports equipment, lawn gear and barbeque grills.
- Record All the Vital Statistics. Include the item description, manufacturer or brand name, colour and model and/or serial number. Be as detailed as possible, recording the quanitity of items -- for example, "Borsheim's charm bracelet, with eight sterling silver charms: Horse, Butterfly, Birthday Cake, Star, Angel, Flip Flop Shoe, Baby Rattle and Tennis Racket." Also include a description of where or how this item was obtained, and the date of purchase or age of the item. Include a receipt or other proof of purchase (if available), showing cost. List the current value and/or replacement cost (if known). Attach a photocopy of any appraisals for items that may have increased in value since purchase (i.e., antiques).
- Photograph or Videotape Your Possessions. A picture truely is worth a thousand words. Photos or a VHS video or DVD will help show ownership and condition of the item as of the date of the inventory. Take a photo of the daily newspaper or hold up a copy of the paper in the video to substantiate the date.
- Update You Inventory at Least Once a Year. Already have an inventory? Remember to add in all those new items you've purchased in the last year. And don't forget to remove items you no longer own.
- Keep A Copy of Your Inventory Off-Site. If your home burns down, it won't do you any good to have your inventory in your desk drawer. Mail or leave a copy with a trusted friend or relative. Another great place to store your inventory is a safety deposit box.
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