Module 2: Making Your Inventory List

Don't throw anything away until it has been documented and the adjuster has authorized you to do so.

Photograph, video, or dictate the inventory of each room so you can reference it later.

Start with the high end items and inventory enough until you exceed your personal property limit by about 50%. Then you can ask your adjuster for the full policy limit and not have to worry about tracking receipts and collecting recoverable depreciation. Every item has value. Don't forget about what was in drawers, closets, and cabinets. 

Start a gift registry either online or in person wherever you shop the most, add all your items to your registry and then it will provide you with the costs and details of each item.

If you have a total loss and none of your items are salvageable, try asking your adjuster for 30% (or some percentage they think is reasonable) of your total personal property limit up front before doing the inventory. This will give you more funds to start replacing items. Just don’t forget to save your receipts!

If you cannot find a comparable item online, provide as much detail as possible (brand, material, size, etc.)

Friends and family may be able to help you remember things or have pictures from when they visited.

Take lots of notes! Use this spreadsheet to document each time you talk with your adjuster, what they say, and what deadlines you need to meet.

Remember, this is probably one of the worst parts of the recovery process, so don’t try to do the inventory all at once. Take breaks and be kind to yourself!