Let’s start with why you should document your spaces.
As homeowners, we cherish our spaces and the belongings within them. But have you ever considered the importance of documenting what you own? Enter the video inventory—a simple yet powerful tool that offers peace of mind and practical benefits in various scenarios.
**Insurance Safety Net**: In the unfortunate event of damage, theft, or natural disasters, a video inventory serves as your safety net. It provides undeniable evidence of your possessions, ensuring you receive fair compensation from insurance claims.
**Protect Your Valuables**: From heirloom jewelry to state-of-the-art electronics, a video inventory helps you document every valuable item in your home. It’s your safeguard against loss and uncertainty, ensuring you can prove ownership and value when it matters most.
**Never Forget What You Own**: Over time, it’s easy to forget the specifics of what’s tucked away in closets or stored in the attic. A video inventory acts as your memory aid, offering a comprehensive visual record of everything you possess.
**Smooth Moves and Renovations**: Whether you’re moving to a new home or embarking on a renovation project, a video inventory streamlines the process. It helps with packing, unpacking, and organizing belongings, ensuring nothing gets misplaced along the way. **Estate Planning Made Easier**: In times of loss, a video inventory becomes a priceless asset for your loved ones. It simplifies estate management, minimizing disputes and ensuring your wishes are carried out smoothly.
In essence, a video inventory isn’t just about recording what you own—it’s about safeguarding your home, your memories, and your legacy.
Tips for Taking Your Inventory
Plan Your Approach: Decide on the areas of your home you want to include in the video inventory. Start with one room at a time to ensure thorough coverage.
Use Quality Equipment: While you don’t need professional equipment, ensure you use a camera or smartphone with decent video quality. Clear footage will make it easier to identify items later.
Begin with Overview Shots: Start each room with wide-angle shots to capture the layout and general contents. Pan slowly to ensure you cover everything.
Focus on Details: After the overview, zoom in on individual items, especially valuable or unique ones. Capture serial numbers, brand names, and any distinguishing features.
Provide Context: As you film, narrate details about each item, including its significance, purchase date, and estimated value. This information will be invaluable for insurance purposes.
Open Cabinets and Drawers: Don’t forget to open cabinets, drawers, and closets to capture items stored inside. This includes kitchenware, clothing, linens, and personal belongings.
Document Documentation: Include important documents such as warranties, receipts, and appraisals in the video. Show any safes or storage locations where these documents are kept.
Don’t Rush: Take your time to ensure you capture everything accurately. It’s better to be thorough than to miss something important.
Backup Your Footage: Once you’ve completed the inventory, make backup copies of the video and store them in a safe place, such as a cloud storage service or an external hard drive that you do NOT keep in your home. If disaster strikes, you don’t want to lose this documentation.
Update Regularly: Plan to update your video inventory regularly, especially after significant purchases or changes to your home’s contents. This ensures your inventory remains accurate and up-to-date.
