By Gary Shelton
A couple of days ago when the local weather channels were once again predicting that we all may lose everything, I got a text from my oldest daughter. It said “Daddy (I love that she is 28, married, has a baby, is a Registered Nurse, and yet still calls me daddy), do we need to take a picture of everything we own in case it all gets blown away?”
Great question. And the answer is YES!
There’s a popular saying that says “home is where the heart is.”
That saying rings true for many of us who find our homes to be our safe haven. A place to cherish, convene with family and friends, raise children, cook meals, rest, retire and celebrate.
Most will agree a home is not just a pile of bricks and mortar. Rather, a true home comprises much more, including everything inside it.
Some of the things inside your house that helps make it your home include your furniture and appliances, clothing, photos, keepsakes, sports equipment, and electronic goods.
These items are considered personal property – and it’s important to know what you own to protect it properly.
How do I protect what really makes my house a home?
Protecting the important stuff inside your home begins with an understanding of what you have. If you’re like many people, you may find your home contains much more personal property than you realize. I can’t imagine having to try and replace everything in my home at one time. It’s taken us 33 years to accumulate all this stuff!
In order to properly protect what you own, develop a careful inventory of your personal property following these tips:
*Use a video camera to record and audibly describe items as you move through your home.
*Whether you use still photos or video to develop your inventory, include brand names, descriptions, and serial numbers where possible, especially on high-cost items.
*Keep all receipts on high dollar purchases. Keep these receipts filed together with any instruction booklets, warranties, etc. that accompany the items. You can also take a photo of receipts and save them in a folder on your phone.
*Store your video or photo inventory offsite, in a safe at home, or back it up with an additional drive.
*When you make new purchases, be sure to add them to your inventory list.
If you have high value items such as jewelry, guns, collectibles or antiques, be sure to notify your agent and review your homeowner’s policy to make sure these items are properly protected. Having a detailed inventory, including photos, will make life a lot easier for you in the event of a major claim.
At Wesco, we understand that your home is way more than just a house, and we are here to help ensure that everything important to you is protected, both inside and outside your home. Call us today at 354-5201.
