A home inventory the insurer won't accidentally lose.
After a fire or a burglary, insurers want a list. The list is easier to make now than on the worst day.
Home inventory apps have a habit of quietly discontinuing. A file on your laptop, backed up to a USB stick in a different building, is the version that's still around in the year you actually make the claim.
Room by room
Walk the house with your phone. Photo of the room, list of the notable items, model / serial / rough value. Do it once; update annually.
For claims and for moves
The same file that helps the insurer helps the moving company, and the estate later. One document, three uses.
Backed up outside the building
Keep a copy off-site — a USB stick with a relative, cloud storage, whatever fits. The inventory that burned with the house is not much use.
What to reach for
Common questions
Will my insurer accept a printed HTML file?
Every insurer we've seen accepts a typed list with photos. Check yours; then keep the file up to date.
How much detail?
Enough that a claims adjuster can identify each item. Model and serial numbers matter more than fair-market value estimates.
What about receipts?
Scan or photograph, save alongside the file, and link from the entry.
Update how often?
Annually, or after any large purchase. Add it while the box is still by the door.