What is a home inventory? Build one on your phone
A home inventory is a structured list of the property you own. A useful record includes more than an item name: add photos, location, brand, model, serial number, purchase date, estimated value and supporting evidence such as a receipt. An inventory helps you remember what you own, find warranty information, prepare for a move and share organized evidence with an insurer. Whether an insurer accepts a particular record depends on its policy.
What belongs in an inventory item?
Take a wide photo of the item in its room and a close photo of the model or serial label. Record existing scratches before moving or using it. A contextual photo helps another person understand where the item was located. Use a recognizable name such as “black camera” instead of “item 1”, and add a room or area.
Record brand, model and serial carefully. RoomLedger may read these from a clear label, but small type, light and viewing angle can cause missing or incorrect data. Reopen the record and verify it. Add the purchase date and price when known, and attach a receipt or note where the original is stored. Purchase price is not necessarily current replacement value, so do not present it as a professional valuation.
Build it room by room
Start with one small room to create a repeatable habit. Move in one direction, photograph large items and then smaller valuable items or those with serial numbers. At the end of each room, check for duplicates and omissions. For electronics, prioritize model, serial, accessories and receipts. For furniture, add dimensions, material, condition and a full view. Keep separate documents for especially valuable property and ask a specialist if an appraisal is needed.
Why export the inventory?
RoomLedger can export an inventory PDF, CSV and ZIP. PDF is easy to read when sharing, CSV is useful for filtering and spreadsheets, and ZIP keeps files and photos together. Exporting does not confirm an item’s value, but it gives you a more organized record. Open the file after exporting, keep a backup in a safe location and update the inventory when you buy, sell or move an item.
Choose one room, prepare your phone and lighting, photograph the item and label, verify brand/model/serial, add purchase details and export a ZIP when the room is complete. Create a home inventory in RoomLedger.
Note: RoomLedger is not an appraisal or insurance service. The insurer decides which evidence it accepts.