Taking a household inventory may feel like an overwhelming project, but here are some steps to simplify the process:
Decide on a method: You can handwrite your home inventory worksheet or complete it digitally on your smartphone (both Android and iOS offer home inventory apps to catalog your items with a picture and description).
Start with valuables: Off the top of your head, you likely know which items are most important to you or worth the most (jewelry, art, appliances, furniture, antiques, electronics, etc.). Beginning with your major items will ensure that your expensive possessions are documented, even if you don't finish your full home inventory list.
Take a video: If you don't have the time or patience to catalog all of your items, record a video of your possessions by walking through your home and zooming in on items and their serial numbers. A virtual home inventory can be helpful if you need to file a claim.
Discuss expensive items: For certain valuables (such as jewelry, fine art, stamp collections, and firearms), talk to your insurer or insurance agent about adding an insurance rider (also known as "scheduling an item") to ensure adequate coverage.