A home inventory is documentation of you your possessions. This includes your residence, property, photographs or documents, where you live, where the item is stored, at your vacation home or away at college with your child. The home inventory includes descriptive information (make, model, serial number, etc.) as well as purchase information (date, store and cost). The data collection is conducted when you are at ease and have time, not after an emergency or loss, when you have other matters with which to concern yourself or your time is in demand.
You will probably remember the high-dollar items you own, but what about the everyday items such as dishes, towels, clothes, food in the pantry, or items stored in attic? You may not inventory each individual item, but as a group this is a substantial amount of money you have invested. Can you afford to lose the investment? Speaking about the high-dollar item, can you prove you owned a 42-inch plasma television and not a 19-inch portable?
Did you loan an item to your friend Bob? Or, are you borrowing an item from Bob? Both of these should be maintained in your inventory because you are responsible for both items.
RAETEX Home Inventory Service uses software developed by TRIER software which is called My I.C.E. Plan (In Case of Emergency). We searched the Internet and to us this is the best software to be found. The software is detailed but yet easy to use. Only seven (7) fields are required to enter data for an item, but over thirty (30) fields are available for data entry. (Try that with pen and paper). Once the data is entered, your next problem is how you want the data out-put to look. My I.C.E. Plan software has over forty (40) types of reports, from one line summaries to a complete printout of your inventory. Do you want to include the photographs? This is your option. (Future blogs will cover the software in more detail.)
Your home inventory is complete. Now what? Make copies of the files and keep the copies in safe locations that are accessible. There is no need to use printed copies, because the software can be run from any Windows computer. Review you insurance policy to determine if your insurance is adequate. Do you need a rider for some items?
RAETEX Home Inventory Service is located in northwest Harris County, Houston TX. We will assist you in inventorying your possessions, both personal and business, developing emergency plans and initializing your letter of instruction. Visit RAETEX Home Inventory Service , telephone (281) 684-7554 or email Robert@raetex.com to schedule an inventory or for additional information.
