We are collectors!  Over the years we invest in items of value that bring joy to this journey–vehicles, artwork, sports equipment, jewelry.  We have collections of books, stamps, comics, dolls, toys…the list goes on and on and on. According to Allstate, 90% of homeowners are concerned about protecting their homes, yet only 10% have actually documented their possessions.

Getting your affairs in order is not just about end-of-life planning.  It’s about being confident that you are prepared for the unexpected.  Listing all your possessions and their value after a fire, burglary or some other disaster can be an emotional, gut-wrenching experience as you attempt to remember everything you own. The Plan My Affairs Home Inventory Category allows you to record your important possessions, to upload images or video files and to provide the history or stories attached to them.

Here are some tips to help you make a home inventory:

1. Start with a Visual Record: Videotape or take pictures of each room in your home to physically document your belongings. While videotaping, it may be helpful to narrate, discussing each item and noting special features, including their condition.
2. Create a checklist: There are free, downloadable templates available online, and most insurance companies have forms you can use to begin your home inventory.  On this list, include your belongings and as much information as possible:
   • Original price (including the receipt, if possible) and estimated current value
   • Year purchased
   • Model/Serial number
   • Unique features
   • Characteristics that help describe the value or provide authenticity
3. Securely store it: Invest in online storage of this information. Your checklist is only valuable if you can access it.  A file saved on your computer is not safe, as hard drives crash.  At the minimum, save the information to a flash drive and store it in your fireproof safe or safe deposit box.

That last part— “Securely Store It”—is where Plan My Affairs earns its stripes.  It is the easiest, cloud-based personal organization tool with bank-level safety on the market today.  Not only will you have peace of mind that your home inventory is safe, you also can change and update information in your profile at any time.  And one step further…you can share your home inventory section with your insurance agent or anyone who you want to have access to that information. If you don’t already have a subscription, start your free trial today and take a proactive approach to your planning with Plan My Affairs.