Gear · Documents & inventory

Gear for documents and home inventory

After a fire, flood, or break-in, a claim moves faster when you can show what you had and find your paperwork. Guide #3 covers the evidence habit; these make it easier.

• Fire- and water-resistant document bags or safes — For originals: IDs, deeds, titles, and a printed declarations page. Ratings (heat and time) vary, and “fireproof” labels aren’t all tested the same way, so read the specs.
• Label makers — Keep inventory boxes and folders sorted, especially during repairs or a move-out.
• Document scanners — Turn receipts and letters into searchable PDFs. A free phone scanner app does the same job for small batches.
• Free first — A slow phone video of every room, closets and drawers open, is a solid start on a home inventory. Keep a copy somewhere other than your home.