Then, to have to concentrate and remember everything you lost is difficult. And the burden of proof is on you. You may have owned a collection of Waterford crystal, a Leica camera, three imported silk suits or a valuable antique china hutch, but getting replacement value on items such as those without a list may be tough. Even the major items might be difficult. You may have owned a specific kind of stereo, television or oven, with all the bells and whistles, but after they've been burned up, it may be difficult to remember the style and model.
Most people intend to make one, but never get to it.
If you try to do one all at once, it's a big project and can take a long time. But, if you break it into pieces, taking a room or two at a time, it's do-able. Record brand names, serial numbers, models, dates purchased and value. To make it easy to store and update, put it on your computer. You can store the disk in your safety deposit box or at a relative's house.