An inventory can protect you now, and your beneficiaries later

A personal property inventory will help you maximize your insurance claim if you have a disaster or theft because you’ll always know what was in your home. You'll be able to maximize your claim because you'll have proof of ownership and you'll be able to remember all the contents that were lost or damaged.

If you do have a disaster and cannot receive an adequate settlement, you'll most likely need to take money out of a savings or investment account to help recover financially. This might affect the value of your estate.

At your death, your executor will not have to worry about providing an inventory – you have already taken care of it by securing one. This will be one less burden your executor will have to deal with.

On your written report, indicate who you want to receive specific items, as this will communicate your intentions to your family. This simple gesture can eliminate discourse and hard feelings after the estate is settled.