Home Inventory Is the Smartest Way to Protect Your Belongings
When disaster strikes—a fire, flood, or theft—it's not just the loss that hurts. It's realizing you can't prove what you owned.
A secure, cloud-based home inventory solves that problem. It helps you document everything you own, store the records safely online, and provide proof to your insurance company when you need it most.
The Problem: Most People Can't Prove What They Owned
After a fire or burglary, insurance companies ask for proof—receipts, photos, serial numbers, values. But if those records were destroyed along with your belongings, you're stuck trying to remember everything from memory.
According to the Insurance Information Institute's 2023 survey, only 47 percent of homeowners have prepared an inventory of their possessions,1 meaning more than half risk:
- Delayed insurance claims
- Reduced payouts
- Months of stress trying to prove ownership
The solution? A cloud-based inventory that survives even if your home doesn't.
What Makes Cloud Storage Better Than Paper Lists
Paper lists fail when you need them most. They burn in fires, get destroyed in floods, or are stolen during break-ins.
A cloud-based inventory:
- Survives disasters - Your records are safe even if your home is destroyed
- Updates easily - Add new purchases from your phone in seconds
- Accessible anywhere - File claims from a hotel, relative's house, or shelter
- Shareable - Send reports directly to your insurance company
- Secure - Bank-level encryption protects your private information
You don't need to be tech-savvy. If you can take a photo with your phone, you can maintain a cloud inventory.
What to Document in Your Home Inventory
The key is documenting everything with value—not just big-ticket items.
High-Priority Items:
- Electronics: TVs, computers, phones, cameras, gaming systems
- Jewelry & Watches: Engagement rings, heirlooms, luxury watches
- Collectibles: Coins, cards, art, antiques, memorabilia
- Furniture: Couches, beds, dining sets, rugs
- Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, dryers, HVAC systems
- Tools & Equipment: Power tools, lawn mowers, musical instruments
Don't Forget:
- Clothing (especially designer or specialty items)
- Kitchen items (cookware, small appliances)
- Outdoor gear (bikes, grills, patio furniture)
- Garage contents (often overlooked, often valuable)
Important note: Under standard homeowners insurance policies, personal property coverage is typically set at 50-70% of your dwelling coverage amount.2 Most people significantly underestimate the total value of their belongings, which makes maintaining a detailed inventory essential for ensuring adequate coverage.
How a Digital Inventory Speeds Up Insurance Claims
When you file an insurance claim, adjusters need:
- Proof you owned it (photos, receipts)
- Proof of value (purchase price, appraisals)
- Item details (make, model, serial number)
Without documentation, you're relying on memory—and memory fails under stress.
With a cloud inventory:
- Generate a complete report in minutes
- Include photos and receipts automatically
- Provide organized, professional documentation
- Get faster claim approvals and fuller payouts
Insurance companies nationwide accept digital records as valid proof of ownership.
Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think
Step 1: Start Small
Pick one room—your living room or bedroom. Spend 15 minutes documenting what you see. Take photos, note approximate values.
Step 2: Add Photos and Details
For valuable items, photograph serial numbers and keep digital copies of receipts. Store everything in one secure place.
Step 3: Update Regularly
After major purchases or holidays, add new items. Takes 5 minutes and protects thousands of dollars.
Step 4: Store Securely Online
Use a platform with bank-level encryption (like Big TOA) that keeps your data safe and accessible from anywhere.
The Value of Documentation: A Real-World Scenario
Example for illustrative purposes: After natural disasters, insurance claim outcomes often depend entirely on documentation quality. Families without inventories typically spend months trying to remember possessions from memory and often receive significantly reduced settlements. Those with comprehensive digital inventories including photos and values can file complete claims within days and receive full reimbursement for documented items. The difference comes down to preparation—spending time documenting possessions before disaster strikes.
How Big TOA Makes Home Inventory Simple
Big TOA helps you document what you own without the headache:
- Upload photos from your phone or computer
- Organize by room or category (living room, garage, collectibles)
- Track values and update as needed
- Generate instant reports for insurance companies
- Store securely with bank-level encryption
- Access anywhere - cloud-based, no downloads needed
Best part? You can start for free. Document up to 20 items at no cost to see if it works for you. If you need to document more, upgrade anytime.
Start Your Free Home Inventory →
Common Questions
Q: Is my data safe in the cloud?
Yes. Big TOA uses the same encryption standards as banks and financial institutions to protect your information.
Q: What if I don't have receipts for older items?
That's okay. Take photos and estimate values based on what similar items cost today. Even partial documentation is better than none.
Q: Do I need to document everything at once?
No. Start with your most valuable items (electronics, jewelry) and add more as you go.
Q: Can renters use this too?
Absolutely. Renters' insurance also requires proof of ownership to reimburse you for stolen or damaged items.
Q: What happens if I lose my phone or computer?
Your inventory is stored in the cloud, not on your device. Just log in from any computer or phone to access it.
Don't Wait for Disaster to Strike
You can't predict when you'll need your home inventory. But you can prepare for it.
Spend 20 minutes today documenting your most valuable items. When disaster strikes, you'll have what you need to recover quickly and fully.
Your belongings represent years of work and memories. Protect them with a simple, secure inventory.
Get Started Free - No Credit Card Required →
References
- Insurance Information Institute. Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and Renters Insurance. 2024. www.iii.org
- Travelers Insurance. How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need? 2024. www.travelers.com
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Prepare Your Home for Disasters. 2024. www.fema.gov