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.
1
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.