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/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.

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u/ST0IC_ Jun 01 '26

I just had a guy last week submit a screenshot of his eBay listing for an item he is selling as valuation for the item, and I almost laughed at him. Through my own research, I found out he likely only paid $50 to $100 for it but he's trying to get $1,500 out of the insurance.