How to Create a Home Inventory List

Now that you've bought your new home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it's time to fill it with all of your valuables. Let's take a moment to imagine what would happen if those possessions of your disappeared. While we don't want to think of this happening, there is always the possibility. In 2015, there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States and over $14.3 million in damage and loss. This doesn't even include the countless robberies that happen every year. When something like this happens, you want your Lake of the Ozarks real estate to be protected, but also the items that were inside.

At Gattermeir Davidson, we realize that a home inventory list sounds like a daunting task, but with a few simple steps you can get a head start and have something to refer to. Because even a partial list is better than no list at all.

Document Your Belongings

There are multiple different ways to document the items that you own, and all of them seem intimidating. Start with a vague overview of the items in your home and go room by room. You can grab your phone and do a video walk through of each room, capturing the important details like makes and models, and get good shots of the big items. Open drawers, cabinets and closets to see what's in each place. You can also do the same by taking photos. At least you'll have video proof of the items you own.

Next, start making a physical list of the items. A good way to think about it, is if it's worth over a couple hundred dollars, write it down with detailed information about the make, model, serial numbers, and even a copy of the receipt. Most insurance companies will have a good idea about how much your valuables are worth, so you won't need to make a detailed list of your kitchen utensils or cleaning supplies. However, it's not a bad idea to list clothing in batches. Ten pairs of pants, twenty-five shirt, three dresses, one wedding dress, etc.

Don't forget to list:

• Electronics (computers, cameras, phones, gaming devices, TVs, DVD players, surround sound, etc)
• Power tools
• Jewelry
• Expensive appliances
• Collectibles
• Movies/CDs
• Books
• Furniture
• Lawn mowers, ATVs, Go Karts, etc.
• Guns and ammo
• Hobby gear (fishing, hunting, camping, sewing, etc)
• Artwork (be sure that this is covered under your insurance)

Fun Fact: Some insurance companies will cover the value of food in your freezer. This is especially important if you have stock piled food, or have a second freezer full of meat. Not all insurance covers this, though, so talk to your agent about the details. With hundreds of dollars of food stored up, you'll want to know.

Create a Back-Up

This list won't do you any good if you lose it, so create a back-up and protect it. If you choose to have physical copies, you can store them in your safety deposit box or give to a friend for safe keeping. If you have digital versions you can keep them in online storage, an external drive, or even email them to yourself and mark as important.

How Often Should You Update the List?

While an outdated list is better than no list at all, keep in mind that it's hard to remember the items you've lost after they are gone. You should update your list once a year at the least, or after every holiday/birthday where gifts are received or major purchases are made. Once you've created the list, it's easier to update it on a regular basis than wait several years and have to start again.

Also, if you are relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks, that is a perfect time to make a list. As you're packing up your home, you can make lists of jewelry, electronics, and items that you may have forgotten had value.

Sentimental Items

Unfortunately, sentimental items cannot always be replaced. Especially when we're talking about home videos, family photos, and mementos. If they are important to you, you can take some time to back them up in places where they are less likely to be stolen or damaged. You can back-up photos and videos on your phone or computer to external apps and programs, and if you have sentimental artwork from the kids, you can scan it and save it digitally.

Lake of the Ozarks Real Estate

While we don't want to think about tragedies happening to our home, they will be easier to cope with if you are prepared. No matter what your reason for needing a new home, at Gattermeir Davidson, we have the best real estate agents at the Lake of the Ozarks who are ready to find the home of your dreams. Visit our website to learn more about our services and properties!

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2011 REALTOR Salesperson of the Year

Missouri Association of Realtors

Gattermeir Davidson Real Estate, LLC

752 Bagnell Dam Blvd., Suite A

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office | 573.365.1555

Fax | 573.365.1766

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