How to create a home inventory for insurance
By Everyday Guide Hub Editorial Team · Last updated October 28, 2026
A simple record of your belongings can make insurance claims faster and help you choose the right level of cover.
This guide is general information only and is not financial, insurance or legal advice. Please speak with a qualified professional about your own situation. Read our disclaimer.
Why a home inventory helps
After a fire, flood, or burglary, it can be hard to remember everything you owned. A home inventory—a list of belongings with photos and approximate values—can support a claim and help you check whether your contents cover is adequate.
Start with a room-by-room walkthrough
Use your phone to record a slow video of each room, opening cupboards and drawers. Narrate what you see, including brands and approximate ages for larger items.
Photograph valuable items
Take clear photos of electronics, jewellery, artwork, and appliances. Photograph serial numbers and model labels where possible.
You may also find helpful: Understanding insurance deductibles and excesses
Keep receipts and documents
Save receipts, warranties, and valuations for higher-value items. Scanning or photographing them protects against paper being lost or damaged.
Store it safely
Keep copies somewhere other than your home—such as a secure cloud storage service or with a trusted relative—so the inventory survives if the home is damaged.
Use it to review cover
Adding up approximate replacement costs can show whether your contents insurance limit is realistic. Check whether high-value items need to be listed separately on your policy.
Update it regularly
Review the inventory once a year and after major purchases.
This article is general information. Check your policy terms or ask your insurer about specific requirements.
Key takeaways
- Video each room and photograph valuable items.
- Keep receipts and serial numbers for higher-value belongings.
- Store copies away from your home.
- Use the inventory to check your contents cover limit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to list every small item?
Not usually. A room video captures everyday items; focus detail on higher-value belongings.
How often should I update the inventory?
Once a year and after significant purchases is a practical rhythm.
Written and reviewed by the Everyday Guide Hub Editorial Team. Read how we work in our editorial policy.
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