Documentation
A home inventory you can make in an afternoon
A practical way to record your belongings before a hurricane, fire or theft, so a contents claim is easier to prepare and support.
By Ricardo Arevalo, Florida Public Adjuster · Published
Why it helps
After a fire, a storm or a theft, it is hard to remember everything you owned. The Florida Department of Financial Services recommends a home inventory, along with photos and proof of ownership, to make it easier to file an accurate and detailed insurance claim.
Start with a video walk-through
A simple method is to record each room in order:
- Open closets, drawers and cabinets and film what is inside
- Say out loud the brand, approximate age and price of the major items
- Photograph the serial and model numbers of electronics and appliances
- Include the garage, patio, storage areas and the outside of the home
Add the details that matter
For higher-value items, write down the date of purchase, quantity, description and price paid, and keep receipts, appraisals or bank statements. Jewelry, art, collectibles and electronics may have special limits in your policy unless they are scheduled separately.
Store it away from home
An inventory that burns or floods with the house does not help. Keep copies in cloud storage, in your email or with a relative outside the area, together with your policy and declarations page.
Update it once a year
Pick a fixed date, such as the start of hurricane season on June 1, to add new purchases and remove what you no longer own. After a loss, the inventory becomes the starting point of your contents list; RicardoPA can help organize it as part of the claim.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need receipts for everything?
No. Receipts help, but photos, videos, bank or card statements and the inventory itself can also support a contents claim.
Is a video enough for a home inventory?
A video is a strong start. Adding a written list with values for the major items makes the claim easier to prepare.
Where should I keep my home inventory?
Somewhere outside the home: cloud storage, email or with someone you trust, along with copies of your policy.
General information only, based on Florida law at the date shown. It is not legal advice, and initial guidance does not replace an evaluation by a licensed public adjuster.
