How to make a home inventory after a fire

Your insurer will ask what was damaged. It's a long list, so break it into rooms and do a little each day.

Start with video

Walk each room with your phone, opening closets, cabinets and drawers, narrating what you see.

Then list room by room

Item, approximate age, where you bought it and roughly what it cost. Estimates are fine; your insurer will tell you what they need.

Use what you already have

Online order histories, bank and credit card statements and old photos help you remember and value items.

Let the pack-out help

If a restoration company does a pack-out, their item-by-item photo inventory can form part of your list.

General information, not advice for your specific policy or property. Updated October 2026.