When it's time to insure your home, you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of listing everything that needs coverage. Your home insurance provider will most likely ask that you list everything of value in your home. Some request photographs and others need receipts. This process could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on what you own. So where do you begin and how far do you take it?



Take it room by room. What are your most precious belongings? What will be the most difficult or expensive to replace? Make sure you note when you bought it and how much you paid for it. An example of the items you might list for your living room might include couches, loveseat, chairs, ottomans; carpet and area rugs; curtains and window treatments; coffee tables, end tables, desk, hutch, entertainment center, books, book shelves, pictures, knick knacks, lamps, vases, wall hangings, clocks, mirrors, paintings or prints; television, VCR, stereo equipment, speakers; records, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, cassettes; camera, video camera, musical instruments, music, coin collections, stamp collections, first edition collections; portable air conditioner, fan, heater; telephone, answering machine; and fireplace equipment.

Your list should really be as detailed as possible. Don't forget to include things that are not readily visible ? furs, jewelry, high end clothes and shoes, the contents of your safe, sewing machine and supplies. Appliances and expensive items that you use exclusively for work may or may not be covered by your home insurance provider. If you are unsure about including anything, ask your agent.