Last Updated on June 22, 2025 by The Insurance Pros
Does your home in Michigan have an inventory list prepared for potential losses?
Creating a Michigan home inventory may not sound exciting—but it’s one of the smartest ways to protect yourself financially. In the event of a fire, flood, or theft, a current home inventory can speed up insurance claims and ensure you get reimbursed fairly.
📋 Why You Need a Home Inventory
Try making a list of everything in just your living room—it’s harder than you think. Wall art, electronics, rugs, lamps, and furniture all add up quickly. A complete inventory helps you document the value of your personal property and proves what you own if you need to file a claim.
🎥 Modern Ways to Create a Home Inventory (2025 Update)
- Use your smartphone to take photos or videos of every room, closet, and drawer.
- Scan or photograph receipts for electronics, furniture, or big-ticket items.
- Download a free app like Sortly or Encircle to digitally track everything with cloud backup.
- Use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets with a template to log model numbers, serials, and costs.
💎 Include These High-Value Items
Don’t forget jewelry, antiques, tools, and collectibles. Certain items might require special coverage—please consult your agent regarding scheduled personal property endorsements for high-value belongings.
🧠 Why an Inventory Matters in a Claim
Insurance adjusters require proof. A home inventory helps document your losses and often results in faster claims processing and fewer disputes. It can also help verify ownership when items are stolen.
📋 Download Your Michigan Home Inventory Checklist
Keeping a home inventory doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve created a simple printable checklist to help you document your belongings room by room.
Use it to stay organized and protect your assets in case of loss or damage.
✅ 📝 Download the Michigan Home Inventory Checklist (PDF)
📉 Risk of Skipping a Home Inventory
Without a list, homeowners often forget to claim everyday items like kitchenware, décor, tools, and even clothing. These smaller items can add up to thousands in unclaimed losses after a major event.
☁️ Where and How to Store Your Inventory
- Save to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
- Back up on a USB drive kept outside your home
- Email the file to yourself or a trusted family member
- Print and store a paper copy in a fireproof safe or off-site
🔁 Update Your Inventory Regularly
Set a calendar reminder to update your list once a year or whenever you make a major purchase, move homes, or renovate. Don’t forget to revise your inventory after birthdays, holidays, or seasonal changes.
📣 Final Tip
Start with one room and build your list over time. You’ll thank yourself later. Also, don’t forget to organize your emergency documents and store them in a secure location.
