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I’ve been in
some houses recently that have absolutely fabulous works of art. Or just cool
belongings. A few of these houses belong to friends of mine and some are houses
that I’ve shown to potential buyers. It got me to pondering the importance of
knowing what you own.
So I went
on a search for home inventory software and found a website from the Insurance
Information Institute called KnowYourStuff.org.
They have an amazing and free (did I say FREE?) software product that allows
you to organize your belongings by room or by category. You can load photos and
receipts to establish value. If you’ve ever had appraisals of jewelry or
artwork, you can scan those in and attach them to the inventory.
The website
also has lots of tips on how to inventory your belongings, where to store the
inventory and even a list of items
to include.
I didn’t
think I really owned anything of any substantial value, but when you start
adding up toys, clothing, CDs, computer software and many other smaller items,
you realize that there is considerable value in everyday mundane things. Like
dishes. Lamps. Winter coats. Appliances. You don’t just inventory the big
ticket items, you inventory your whole life. Because that’s the kind of
inventory you’ll need if the unthinkable happens.
This
software is incredibly easy to use and even fun to start setting up. I sat down
with my laptop and just started in one corner of the living room. I entered
everything I saw – okay, not my husband – everything from the waste basket to
the fireplace screen. Later I’ll start entering values for stuff because I have
no idea what some of it is worth.
There’s
even a “room” called Donation Room. I created a new room called “Yard Sale”.
Maybe I’ll
have one someday. This is a good start.
(c) 2006 Susan Pruden
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