subject: Getting Organized: Inventory Of Personal Property [print this page] We all strive to be organized but often time just gets away from us. Before you know it weeks, months or even years have passed by in the blink of an eye. A complete inventory of your family's belongings should have been taken when you moved into your current New Jersey home. The inventory should be updated every other year or, at the very least, when big purchases are made. It is an essential document that you will need if the worst happens and you need to put a claim on your homeowners insurance NJ. Unfortunately, in New Jersey and many other states, it is up to the homeowner to prove what they owned. You need to have accurate records to back up your insurance claim.
If this project has been on your to do list for ages, now is the time to dust off that list and get it done. We can break this up into several smaller weekend projects so it does not seem so overwhelming to create such a large inventory.
First, make a video of the outside of your home. Verbally note any upgrades you have made to the landscaping or exterior of the home. Be sure to include items that you would expect an insurance policy to cover such as lawn furniture, fences and sheds. Do the same for the interior of your home. Scan each room with the camera and briefly mention the larger, more expensive items.
Next, take a picture of each room as well as detailed photographs of any special items such as a coin collection or valuable artwork. These items often require a special rider to you homeowners insurance NJ. Be sure to include the laundry room, mudroom and garage because they can hold many items of value. Open cupboard doors and get a shot of all your audio/video equipment.
Now here comes the time consuming part. You need to make a detailed written inventory and keep it in a 3-ring binder with a copy of your video. Call your Jersey insurance agent and ask if they have any pre-printed forms for your inventory. Better yet, if you are computer savvy, create a word document and insert a picture of one room at the top of each page. Be sure to list all the items in the room and when you purchased them. Try to include as much information as you can a description, price, receipt, size or any other details. For example, 80" leather sofa purchased 2009 from XYZ Department store for $1275. If you have any receipts, serial numbers or certificates of authenticity add a clear sleeve after each written page to store these hard copy items.
Getting organized is always important especially when it comes to an inventory of personal property. If you have everything documented, organized in a 3-ring binder and stored off site at a relative's house, you will be thoroughly prepared for any emergency that requires you to place a claim on your insurance.
by: Brenda Fullwerth
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