Why Create a Home Inventory?
A home inventory is a detailed record of everything you own. It serves as proof of ownership for insurance claims, helps you track valuables, and simplifies major life events like moving or estate planning. Without one, you are relying on memory when it matters most.
Step 1: Choose Your Tool
You can use a spreadsheet, a notebook, or a dedicated app like Vorby. An app with AI scanning is the fastest option because it automates the most tedious part: identifying and recording items.
Step 2: Go Room by Room
Start with the rooms that contain your most valuable items. Open closets, drawers, and cabinets. For each item, capture a photo, add a description, and estimate its value. With Vorby, the AI handles item identification automatically.
Step 3: Add Financial Details
For items worth more than $50, add the purchase price, purchase date, and where you bought it. Attach receipts if you have them. Vorby can parse email receipts automatically to speed this up.
Step 4: Store Safely and Update Regularly
Your inventory should be stored somewhere accessible even if your home is damaged. Cloud-based tools like Vorby handle this automatically. Update your inventory when you make major purchases or get rid of items.