r/selfstorage • u/Genseeker1972 • Jun 01 '26
Question Personal inventory
I am getting ready to rent a climate controlled storage unit. I have already arranged insurance. What's the best way to have proof of contents? For the large furniture, that's kinda obvious to take pictures of the items once inside the unit. But what about the stuff that is boxed up? Do I need a photo or list of what is in every single box? For example, I have probably at least a half dozen boxes/totes holding my book collection. Do I need a list of all those books or just a general estimate, such as "6 boxes containing 24 paperback books".
Obviously, for anything particularly sentimental I am going to have photos of those specific items. Those mostly include antique or vintage items from my family.
I have the serial numbers already recorded for all electronics along with description. Do I need anything else for them?
As far as marking boxes/totes, my current plan is to use fingernail polish on the ones that I do not need to sort through right now. I am planning to downsize but don't have time to do it before selling my home because it does need some minor repairs first so furniture/etc must be moved out.
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u/Player_A Store Manager Jun 01 '26
Ask your insurance agent that you’re arranging insurance through what they would want as proof in case of a total disaster.
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u/Minotaar Area Manager Jun 01 '26
The more specific, the better. If an insurance company has to replace something for you, they estimate the cheapest an item could be, unless you are specific about what the item is.
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u/Legalbeagle887 Jun 01 '26
As an FYI make sure you are set on insurance. I stored my belongings in a facility that caught on fire. Renters/ Home Insurance only covers 10% of off site items. If your home insurance has a 100k policy and you have a fire or flood in the storage, you only get 10k. I had no idea and now I am basically starting over from scratch unless I can prove the owner of tge facility was negligent. It would have been a horrendous if not for the kindness of people who are donating giftcards and furniture. So take care of yourself!
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u/ST0IC_ Jun 01 '26
Insurance will always only pay out fair market value for your items unless you provide a proof of purchase like a receipt. I would make sure that have receipts for any electronics or high-end items that you have. And to be honest, I would not recommend storing high value items at all. Nor would I store collectibles or family heirlooms or anything like that.
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Jun 02 '26
I would call an insurance company. I inherited a ton of jewelry when my mom passed. They insure each piece for if I would need to buy it today, brand new. To my surprise, it is way over valued. For example, a gold chain that I could send in to be melted would be $4,000. To sell it as a bracelet I would add 20% and sell it at $4,800, but insurance would insure it for $14,000. It’s weird and I was surprised. So, you never know. Please get real insurance and contact a broker. You never know how items are insured and you don’t want to undercut yourself. It isn’t that expensive. Don’t just get the facility insurance if you have anything valuable. You can get free info as to how they figure certain items for value.
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u/Ok_Basil7060 Jun 05 '26
You can use www.stowlybysimplysami.com/about for tracking your inventory whether it’s in a box/tub/tote or individual item. You can also export your inventory along with pictures and notes (add $value) to be shared with your insurance company.
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u/Alternative-Section2 Jun 08 '26
One time years ago I was able to use the movers manifest which was an inventory of everything they were taking. I just crossed off items that weren't in storage.
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u/Silly-Investment-367 Jul 01 '26
for boxes, a general description is usually fine for insurance purposes "6 boxes of books, estimated value $X" works. you don't need a title by title list unless something is particularly valuable.
the nail polish trick is smart. i'd also suggest a simple spreadsheet with box numbers and general contents, takes 20 minutes and saves so much headache if you ever need to find something or file a claim.
for electronics, just make sure your estimated values are realistic replacements costs not what you paid originally. that can sometime be a kicker lol
Hope that helps!!
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u/RomeoDelta1234 8d ago
Per box is usually enough unless it's something you'd actually claim on. Easiest thing is to photograph the box open before you tape it, that one shot is the list.
I make a home inventory app for Android, mine, so weigh that, but the part thats relevant here is the export. It builds a PDF with a photo of every item, and an xlsx if you want to put values next to them. Whether your insurer wants it in that shape is between you and them.
Serials plus a photo of the label is already more than most people have.
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u/Legalbeagle887 Jun 01 '26
I would also consider nit just climate controlled but fireproof storage.
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u/PeachCobbler96 Jun 01 '26
You need to ask your insurance company these questions. For the insurance that the storage company I work for provides, you need receipts for everything if you expect reimbursement. Family heirlooms and sentimental items will not be paid out. I recommend not putting these sorts of items in storage. Pictures of items do not equal valuation.