Home inventory checklist: what to list in every room

Updated October 20, 2026

Whatever method you use (paper, photos, a spreadsheet or video), a home inventory is only as good as what's on it. This checklist draws on state insurance departments and university extension guides, and covers the things people most often leave out. The method is simple: go through each room, and write down and photograph or film everything in it^[1].

For every item, record

• What it is: a description, with the brand, model and serial number where there is one^[2].
• When you bought it and what you paid^[2].
• A photo, especially of anything that's hard to describe or has no receipt^[1].
• Receipts and appraisals, if you have them.

Living and dining rooms

• Sofas, chairs, tables, cabinets and bookcases.
• Lamps, light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• TV, speakers, streaming devices and game consoles.
• Art, pictures, mirrors and wall hangings.
• Rugs and window coverings.
• Dining table and chairs; china, silverware and glassware.
• Books, music, movies and collections.

Kitchen

• Range, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.
• Small appliances: mixer, blender, coffee maker, toaster.
• Pots, pans, knives and utensils; dishes and glassware.
• Cookbooks, pantry items and spices.

Bedrooms

• Beds and mattresses, dressers, nightstands and lamps.
• TVs and other electronics.
• Everything in each closet: clothing, shoes, bags and accessories.
• Jewelry and watches (see *Valuables*, below).

Bathrooms and linen closets

• Hair dryers, electric toothbrushes and razors.
• Towels, bath mats and shower curtains.
• Bedding and table linens.

Home office

• Computers, monitors, printers, scanners, cameras and external drives.
• Desk, chair, filing cabinets and bookshelves.
• Many policies only provide a limited amount of coverage for computer equipment^[1], and a business run from home may not be covered by a homeowners policy at all^[3]. See the business equipment guide.

Garage, basement, attic and outdoors

• Tools, workbenches and ladders.
• Lawn mower, edger, blower and garden tools.
• Bikes and sports equipment.
• Seasonal decorations and anything in storage boxes.
• Outdoor furniture, grills, umbrellas, and pool or spa equipment.
• The contents of sheds and other small buildings^[4].

Easy to forget

• Things that are out of season or hidden away, and the things you use every day^[4].
• What's inside closets, cabinets, cupboards and drawers. Photograph them open^[4].
• Extra closets, pantries, basements and attics^[1].
• Less expensive items such as clothes and linens, which add up^[5].
• A rented storage unit, and family members' things kept elsewhere, such as sports equipment in a school locker^[4].

Valuables need extra attention

• Limits apply. Most policies only provide a limited amount of coverage for jewelry, collectibles and fine art^[1], and standard limits also apply to items like electronics and sporting equipment^[6].
• Appraisals. An appraisal shows what a valuable item is worth^[3], and insurers often require one^[6].
• Extra coverage. Ask your insurer about scheduling valuable items, or adding a rider or endorsement, so they're covered for their appraised value^[1][6].

Keep it safe and current

• Store a copy away from home, such as in a safe-deposit box, with a trusted person, or online^[4].
• Add new purchases with a photo or video, and remove what you get rid of^[4].
• Review it regularly. Advice ranges from twice a year^[2] to the start of each season^[1].

Faster with video

Filming each room captures most of this list in minutes: see how to record a video home inventory. ii360 turns each room's video into an itemized inventory, with a photo from your video and an estimated replacement cost for each item, which you can then review, edit and add to.