There are dozens of personal inventory software programs and apps for consumers to catalog their belongings in case of fire, theft, or some other disaster.
However, you can create your own system that will, in most cases, meet your needs.
Simply use your smartphone or digital camera to photograph valuables and upload those photos to a storage program such as Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud or other online file system. In case of a loss, you’ll have the most important data your insurer needs to pay your claim.
Take photos of all your expensive or irreplaceable items, like computers, electronics, jewelry, guns, and documents. Be sure to include photos of model numbers, serial numbers, and other identifying marks. You may even want to include photos of the receipts for those items.
Don’t forget to take photos of your home, with exterior and interior shots. Automobiles, trucks, RV’s, and other recreational equipment should also be documented.
Take as many photos are you think you need, then take a few more. Add photos to the online folders as needed, and delete those that no longer apply.
Cataloguing personal property with digital photographs is important, smart, and free.
And if those photos help you recover stolen property or settle an insurance claim, then the effort will have been priceless.