Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1208082
H E R E ' S A N U N S E T T L I N G statistic — about half of us still have not com- pleted a home inventory. Of those who have, 40 percent haven't updated it in many years. Here's why you should do it: You've worked hard to make your house a home. Now it's time to create a record of everything you own. Trying to tally what needs to be replaced is not something you want to do in the event of a claim. at's why a home inventory is so important. It provides a list of your prop- erty in case there is a fire or destructive storm, or if someone breaks in and steals your valuable belongings. Without an inventory, many people have a dif- ficult time pinpointing or recalling everything that might have been destroyed or taken. at could delay your claim or prevent you from getting full compensation. W h eth er you choose to writ e e ver y thing down or use a video cam era ( like your phon e), now i s a great time to get started . Just go room by room and document. (For the handy checklist above, go to mycalcas.com/household-inventory-guide.) Don't forget to take pictures of the exterior of your home from all sides (including the landscaping and any decks or porches), and everything in the garage, attic or basement (holiday ornaments, lawn and yard equipment, tools). Completing your inventory will give you some peace of mind if the worst should happen. Why you need a home inventory By California Casualty HOUSEHOLD INVENTORY DINING ROOM VALUE DATE Dining Table/Chairs $_________ ________ Buffet/China Cabinet $_________ ________ China/Crystal $_________ ________ Flatware/Silverware $_________ ________ Linens $_________ ________ Artwork/Decor $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ KITCHEN VALUE DATE Table/Chairs $_________ ________ Small Appliances $_________ ________ Microwave $_________ ________ Refrigerator $_________ ________ Stove $_________ ________ Dishwasher $_________ ________ Cookware/Bakeware $_________ ________ Dishes/Glasses $_________ ________ Flatware/Knives $_________ ________ Linens $_________ ________ Artwork/Decor $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ FAMILY ROOM/DEN VALUE DATE Sofa/Loveseat $_________ ________ Coffee/End Tables $_________ ________ Lamps/Light Fixtures $_________ ________ Artwork/Decor $_________ ________ Curio/China Cabinets $_________ ________ Antique Furniture $_________ ________ TV/DVD/Satellite $_________ ________ Stereo, etc. $_________ ________ Carpeting/Rugs $_________ ________ Fireplace Fixtures $_________ ________ Draperies/Curtains $_________ ________ Bookcases/Books $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ LIVING ROOM VALUE DATE Sofa/Loveseat $_________ ________ Coffee/End Tables $_________ ________ Lamps/Light Fixtures $_________ ________ Artwork/Decor $_________ ________ Curio/China Cabinets $_________ ________ Antique Furniture $_________ ________ TV/DVD/Satellite $_________ ________ Stereo, etc. $_________ ________ Carpeting/Rugs $_________ ________ Fireplace Fixtures $_________ ________ Draperies/Curtains $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ MASTER BEDROOM VALUE DATE Bed $_________ ________ Mattress $_________ ________ Dressers/Nightstands $_________ ________ Linens $_________ ________ Lamps/Light Fixtures $_________ ________ Artwork/Decor $_________ ________ Jewelry Chest $_________ ________ TV/DVD/Satellite $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ OTHER BEDROOMS VALUE DATE Beds $_________ ________ Mattresses $_________ ________ Dressers/Nightstands $_________ ________ Linens $_________ ________ Lamps/Light Fixtures $_________ ________ Artwork/Decor $_________ ________ Jewelry Chest $_________ ________ TV/DVD/Satellite $_________ ________ Toys $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ WOMAN'S WARDROBE VALUE DATE Clothing $_________ ________ Shoes $_________ ________ Purses/Accessories $_________ ________ Jewelry $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ MAN'S WARDROBE VALUE DATE Clothing $_________ ________ Shoes $_________ ________ Jewelry/Accessories $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ CHILD'S WARDROBE VALUE DATE Clothing $_________ ________ Shoes $_________ ________ Accessories $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ BATHROOMS VALUE DATE Linens/Rugs $_________ ________ Electronics $_________ ________ Accessories $_________ ________ Artwork/Decor $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ OFFICE VALUE DATE Desk/Chairs $_________ ________ Bookcases $_________ ________ Cabinets $_________ ________ Computers $_________ ________ Other Electronics $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ GARAGE/BASEMENT VALUE DATE Washer $_________ ________ Dryer $_________ ________ Luggage $_________ ________ Ski Equipment $_________ ________ Bicycles $_________ ________ Golf Clubs $_________ ________ Outdoor Equip. $_________ ________ Sports/Exercise Equip. $_________ ________ Lawnmower $_________ ________ Snowblower $_________ ________ Misc. $_________ ________ OTHER VALUE DATE _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ _____________________ $_________ ________ This inventory guide – along with photos and proof of ownership – will make it easier to file an accurate, detailed insurance claim in case your home is damaged or destroyed in a disaster. TURN THIS FLYER OVER FOR SEASONAL TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME. You and Your Stuff 58 cta.org CTA & You