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10 Home Inventory Tips to Simplify Insurance Claims
Insurance & Emergency Prep Chapter
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10 Home Inventory Tips to Simplify Insurance Claims
Taking a detailed home inventory protects you against loss, speeds up insurance claims, and helps you understand exactly what you own. The California Department of Insurance recommends thorough documentation, but paper lists and scattered photos can be a hassle. Below are ten proven best practices along with simple ways Binly's smart QR code and NFC system streamlines every task.

Highlights

  • Start early to capture details before disaster strikes
  • Use Binly to scan, tag, and store photos of every item
  • Record serial numbers, receipts, and item values
  • Organize by room for full coverage and quick reference
  • Keep your inventory safe with Binly's offsite storage
  • Update regularly to stay accurate as life changes

1. Start Before Disaster Strikes

Waiting until after a fire, flood, or burglary to create an inventory is a recipe for stress and missed details. In the heat of an emergency, recalling every item you own is nearly impossible, and crucial details about value or purchase dates can be lost forever. A pre-made, detailed inventory puts you in control, speeds up insurance claims, and helps you replace what matters most without guesswork.

How Binly helps: With Binly, setup is fast and intuitive. Take a quick photo of each item, add basic details, and it's instantly stored in a secure, cloud-based inventory you can access from any device—even if your home is inaccessible.

2. Go Room-by-Room for Complete Coverage

A systematic walkthrough ensures no item gets overlooked, especially in easy-to-forget spots like closets, attics, basements, or garages. This method helps you spot category gaps (like tools, seasonal gear, or collectibles) and keeps the process organized and less overwhelming.

How Binly helps: Create virtual “rooms” in Binly that mirror your actual home layout. As you scan each bin or object, assign it to its designated room so you can instantly identify which areas are fully documented and which still need attention.

3. Photograph Everything

Photos provide undeniable proof of ownership and show the condition, style, and brand of each item. They not only help with insurance claims but also serve as a visual reminder of exactly what you own, which can reduce duplicate purchases.

How Binly helps: Every photo you take in Binly is stored directly alongside the item's details—no need to juggle separate folders or search through your phone's photo roll. You can even add multiple angles for high-value or complex items.

4. Capture Serial Numbers and Receipts

Serial numbers are key to proving ownership, especially for electronics, appliances, and high-value gear. Receipts confirm purchase dates and amounts, which can make the difference between full reimbursement and a reduced payout.

How Binly helps: Simply scan or type the serial number into Binly and attach an image of the receipt. Everything stays linked to that item so you never have to dig through old paper files again.

5. Record Item Values and Policy Details

Knowing your items' replacement costs helps you avoid under-insuring and ensures you have the right coverage. Pairing this with your insurance policy information lets you spot coverage gaps before it's too late.

How Binly helps: Store the purchase price, current market value, and a link to the relevant insurance policy right in Binly. When needed, export a complete CSV file with images and details for your insurance agent in minutes.

6. Store a Secure Copy Offsite

A paper or digital list stored only in your home is useless if disaster strikes there. Offsite storage ensures your inventory survives even if your property doesn't.

How Binly helps: Binly automatically backs up your data to secure cloud storage. You can also grant read-only access to family members, attorneys, or insurance reps and export the full inventory at any time.

7. Update at Least Three Times a Year

Birthdays, holidays, and major upgrades can quickly change the value of your belongings. Without regular updates, your inventory becomes outdated and less reliable for claims.

How Binly helps: Adding a new item takes less than a minute—snap a photo, tag its bin or room, and your master inventory is instantly updated.

8. Highlight High-Value Categories Separately

Jewelry, fine art, rare collectibles, and electronics often exceed standard insurance policy limits. Grouping these items separately helps you determine if you need additional coverage.

How Binly helps: Set a value threshold in Binly to flag items over a certain amount. You can instantly filter your inventory to review or share only these high-value items.

9. Track Home Improvements and Fixtures

Major renovations, built-in appliances, and fixture upgrades increase your home's replacement value and can affect your insurance premiums. Without documentation, these improvements might not be covered in full.

How Binly helps: Store photos, receipts, contractor invoices, and material details in Binly, linking them to the specific room. This gives you a clear record of upgrades for insurers, appraisers, or future buyers.

10. Make the Inventory Searchable and Shareable

In an insurance claim, move, or estate situation, quick access to the right details can save time, stress, and money. A searchable, well-categorized inventory ensures you can find what you need instantly.

How Binly helps: Use keyword search to find “bike,” filter by room, or sort by purchase date. Share a secure, read-only link with movers, insurers, or family members without giving full editing access.

Final Takeaway

A thorough home inventory is one of the smartest safeguards you can create for your property and peace of mind. Pair these best practices with Binly's intuitive QR code inventory system, and you'll eliminate paperwork, speed up claims, and gain total visibility into your belongings. Ready to protect what matters most? Get started with Binly today.

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