Home Inventory in 30 Minutes
Future You Will Thank Yourself
If you’ve ever thought, “I should probably make a home inventory,” and then immediately chose to do literally anything else… you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need an app, a spreadsheet, or a whole Saturday. You can create a solid home inventory in about 30 minutes using the thing already in your hand: your phone.
Why a home inventory matters:
A home inventory is simply a record of what you own — furniture, electronics, clothing, tools, kitchen stuff, kids’ gear, hobby equipment… all the everyday things you’d hate to replace at once.
If you ever deal with a fire, theft, or major damage, having a quick record helps you remember what you had and speeds up the process of getting life back to normal. (And, it’s useful for moves, too.)
The 30-minute method: “video + hotspots.”
Step 1: Do a quick video walk-through (10–15 minutes).
Start at your front door and slowly walk through your home, recording video. Open closets and cabinets briefly.
Narrate as you go:
“Living room TV… soundbar… laptop… bookshelf… air fryer…”
Step 2: Take “hotspot photos” (10 minutes).
Snap a few still photos of areas where lots of items live:
- Closets (especially coats, shoes, and kids’ stuff)
- Kitchen cabinets/pantry
- Garage and tools
- Storage room/basement
- Bathroom cabinets
- Outdoor equipment (grill, mower, bikes, etc.)
Step 3: Capture the big-ticket items (5 minutes).
Take separate photos of:
- TVs / computers/tablets
- Appliances
- Jewelry or watches
- Musical instruments
- Cameras, collectibles, specialty tools
> If possible, grab a quick photo of the brand + model/serial number sticker.
Step 4: Save it somewhere safe (2 minutes).
Don’t leave it only on your phone. Upload it to:
- Google Drive / iCloud / Dropbox
> Or email it to yourself with the subject line “Home Inventory — February 2026”.
Bonus: The “little list” that helps later
If you want to level it up without much extra effort, make a note in your phone with:
- 5–10 most expensive items (and where you bought them)
- Any recent upgrades (new flooring, roof, remodels, new appliances)
- Receipts/warranties you can easily screenshot
