Home inventory video: 12 tips for a walkthrough that holds up

A video walkthrough is the fastest way to document what you own. These tips make it useful later, whether you turn it into a list yourself or have it done.

1. Turn on every light and open the blinds. Dark frames hide brands and details.
2. Hold the phone horizontally and move slowly, about a step every two seconds. Fast pans blur.
3. Say the room name out loud as you enter it: "primary bedroom", "garage".
4. Go clockwise around each room so nothing gets skipped.
5. Open every closet, drawer and cabinet for a second or two. Clothing, kitchenware and tools are where most of the value hides.
6. Get close to serial labels on TVs, computers, appliances and power tools, and hold still for two seconds.
7. Narrate the expensive stuff: "Bought this sofa in 2023, about $2,000."
8. Don't skip the garage, attic, basement, shed or patio. Bikes, mowers, grills and holiday decor add up.
9. Show jewelry, art and collectibles clearly, and note that these often have separate policy limits.
10. Keep it to 10 to 20 minutes for a typical home. Split into a few clips if your phone prefers.
11. Store it off-site the same day: cloud storage, email, or a family member's drive.
12. Redo it once a year and after big purchases.

Video or list?

Both. The video is your evidence; the list is what an adjuster works from. A list with a reference to the frame each item appears in gives you both. More in what adjusters want to see.

General information, not insurance advice.