How to Create a Visual Home Inventory (Even if You Know Nothing About Photography)

If this is the first time you’re hearing about a home inventory and you aren’t sure why you need one or how to get started, you might want to read our article about how to complete a home inventory first, then come back for these photo and video tips.)

It's one thing to write down all the items in your home, but what if you want to document your home via photographs or video?

What if you’re not that tech-savvy and you want to make sure you are capturing your valuables properly?

Here are some tips that I hope will help you create a home inventory that you are proud of, and that will also make it easier for you to replace your belongings after a loss.

Set the Stage

It’s important to prepare your home before you start taking any picture or video. You want to display your items in a way that makes them easily identifiable to someone who is not familiar with your home (like an insurance adjuster).

• De-clutter (think kitchen counters, tables, closets, and the garage)
• Organize - It will be easier to document items in your home if they are grouped together (all DVDs in one place near the TV, etc.)
• Clean (especially items with detail -- you don't want dust obscuring the value of your belonging!)
• Make sure areas are well-lit
• Don’t forget inside of closets, drawers, jewelry boxes
• Make sure you are including all items in the photograph (take your pile of jewelry and fan it out so all pieces can be seen)
• China – pattern & manufacture signature should be clearly portrayed
• Place special items (silver, china, jewelry) on a clean background(a solid, contrasting color) so the piece really stands out
• Remember the garage, including power tools and a detailed view of the toolbox
• Don’t forget landscaping (ponds, furniture, decorations). Check with your agent to see if shrubs & unusual landscaping is covered. Even if it isn't, you will still appreciate a visual representation of your yard for reference if it is destroyed after a loss.
  
  

Get In Touch with Your Inner Photographer

You may not know the first thing about photography, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun while you’re inventorying your home! (This may even be a good project for your child who has been begging you to let her use your camera.)

• Take pictures of everything (can’t have too many!)
• Start in a corner & work your way around
• Take wide angle shots of entire rooms (show as much as you can)
• Close-up shots of special details (hardware, finish, brand names)
• Advanced Tip: Make sure you use the proper camera settings so photos are clear, have the right amount of lighting, and use flash/no-flash as necessary (usually the auto setting will adjust these things for you)
• Limit reflections (watch for glare from windows, mirrors, and other shiny surfaces)
• Advanced Tip: Use a thin cloth (handkerchief) to dim flash for close-up shots and try a 45 degree angle for reflective surfaces
• Include a family member to help validate ownership
  
  

Ready, Set, Action!

Ditching the photographs for video? Here’s what you need to know:

• Narrate the video and be sure to point out big ticket items (jewelry, laptop, etc.)
• Mention price, manufacturer, and date purchased if you know it (the more details the better)
• If possible, use a dedicated memory card or disk to keep video (nothing else on it)
• Move slowly and try to keep the video steady
• Plan how you will proceed through the room/house ahead of time
  
  

That’s a Wrap!

Now that you know what you need to do to take an excellent photo or video inventory of your home:

• If possible, use a dedicated memory card that you can keep in a safe deposit box
• Upload the photos or videos to an album you can access from any location (make sure it is secure!) *You should do this for important documents as well if possible
  
  

Act II

For more on why you should create a home inventory and how to do so, check out “10 Shortcuts for Completing Your Home Inventory in Record Time”. If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call at 877-329-3261.

Ready to get started on your home inventory? Download our free home inventory worksheet here (includes instructions).

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photo credit: *** Fanch The System !!! *** via photopin cc