How to do Home Inventory?

Start by making a list of your possessions, describing each item and noting where you bought it and its make and model. Add any sales receipts, purchase contracts, and appraisals you have. For clothing, count the items you own by category—pants, coats, and shoes, for example—making notes about those that are especially valuable. For major appliances and electronic equipment, record the serial numbers, which are usually found on the back or bottom. If you’ve just bought a home, work up a list as you are moving in and unpacking. Items you’ll need to list are:
Valuable items like jewelry, art work, and collectibles, which may have increased in value since you received them. Check with your agent to make sure that you have adequate insurance for these items. They may need to be insured separately. Take pictures of rooms and important individual items. On the back of the photos, note what is shown and where you bought it or its make. Don’t forget things that are in closets or drawers.
Videotape your home. Walk through your house or apartment, videotaping
and describing the contents. Or do the same thing using a tape recorder.
Use your PC to make your inventory list. Personal finance software packages often include a homeowner’s room-by-room inventory program.
Regardless of how you do a list (written list, computer disk, photos, videotape, or audiotape), keep your inventory along with receipts in your safe deposit box or at a friend’s or relative’s home. That way you’ll be sure to have something to give your insurance representative if your home is damaged. When you make a significant purchase, add the information to your inventory while the details are fresh in your mind.