Marty, Bob, Charlie, Peter and Chris speak about they way they manage home inventories with technology
Why bother with a home inventory? Insurance claims, estate planning, moving, or just peace of mind. Technology makes it far easier than paper lists.
Simple Starter Tools
• Notes with checklists + photos
• Numbers/Excel spreadsheet with columns for item, purchase date, value, serial, photo link
Dedicated Apps
• Sortly, Encircle, Home Inventory (barcode scan, cloud sync, export for insurers)
• Use Reminders/Calendar for periodic update nudges
Photo & Video Methods
• Quick narrated room walk-through videos
• Albums in Photos by room (e.g., “Kitchen Inventory,” “Electronics”)
Smart Receipts & Docs
• Scan receipts to Files/Dropbox
• Keep high-value appraisals and warranties with items
5-Minute Setup Before You Start
Phone: Ensure iCloud Photos on; create “Home Inventory” albums; enable dictation for quick notes
Mac: Set up “Home Inventory” folder with subfolders by room; store a template sheet
Input tips: Label photos (“Living Room—Sofa”); drag photo links into your sheet/notes
Safety PSA (60 seconds)
• Keep at least two backups (iCloud + external drive)
• Store inventory separate from passwords/financials
• Share only with trusted family/insurer
How-To Resource Links
• Insurance Information Institute — How to create a home inventory: https://www.iii.org/article/how-create-home-inventory
• Ready.gov (FEMA) — Document and Insure Your Property (PDF guide): https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/ready_document-and-insure-your-property.pdf
• Consumer Reports — Why You Should Do a Home Inventory Now: https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/home-organization/why-you-should-do-a-home-inventory-now-a2524881766/
• State Farm — How to create a home inventory (updated guidance): https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/home-inventory-how-to-create-one
• NerdWallet — Best Home Inventory Apps and Templates: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/home-inventory-app-template
“Under my roof” app
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/under-my-roof-home-inventory/id1524335878
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