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A long time ago, the first house I bought got broken into and the thieves took everything of value. I wasn't far out of college so that amounted to pretty much a used stereo and a bunch of CDs and records. I was annoyed they didn't take the TV that still had dials.<\/p>\n\n
The police came and asked me to make a list of everything missing, which I sat down and did and gave to them and also to the insurance company. The insurance company was great and covered everything.<\/p>\n\n
Problem was - I'd forgotten stuff. Every few weeks for the next year I'd reach for a specific CD or other item only to realize I'd forgotten it when making my list.<\/p>\n\n
I could have gone back to the insurance company and explained the situation, but for one CD or whatever at a time the hassle wasn't worth it. Instead, I learned:<\/p>\n\n
TAKE PICTURES. Lots of pictures. Pixels and pictures are really cheap.<\/p>\n\n
I recommend right after you’ve moved into your new home, do a complete photo inventory of the house and contents. It can also be a good idea before you move, if you're concerned about any damage that might happen during a move. Open every drawer, closet, etc. Then make sure those photos are stored somewhere offsite or in the cloud and at that point you’re in good shape. It’s more about you remembering than providing proof of anything, but the photos would also usually settle any questions your insurer may have. Every couple of years when we go out of town on vacation, I tend to snap a new set of photos. Then I don’t worry about a thing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n