Buying a home may be a transaction, but owning one is an ongoing responsibility. Once the boxes are unpacked and the closing documents are filed away, it is easy to settle into everyday life and forget about some of the paperwork, records, insurance coverage, and maintenance information connected to your home. That is why I recommend giving your home an annual homeowner checkup . Think of it as a once-a-year opportunity to make sure your records are organized, your coverage still makes sense, and you know where to find important information if you ever need it. Here are seven things worth reviewing. 1. Create or Update Your Home Inventory If you had to make an insurance claim tomorrow, could you remember everything you own? Probably not—and neither could most of us. A home inventory can be as simple as walking through each room with your phone and taking photos or video. Pay particular attention to higher-value items such as electronics, appliances, jewelry, artwork, furniture, collectibles, and tools. For major purchases, consider keeping: Receipts Model and serial numbers Purchase dates Photos Warranty information You do not need to create a museum-quality catalog of every fork and bath towel. The goal is simply to have enough information to document what you own if something happens. 2. Make Sure Important Records Are Stored Safely Homeowners tend to accumulate an impressive amount of paperwork. Some of it can safely disappear into the recycling bin. Some of it cannot. Consider keeping important home-related information together, including purchase and settlement documents, warranties, receipts for major improvements, contractor information, insurance policies, surveys, HOA documents, and records for major systems such as the roof, HVAC equipment, and water heater. Digital copies can also be helpful, particularly if the originals are stored in the home. The important question is this: If you needed one of these documents six months from now, would you know where to find it? If the answer involves opening eleven drawers and muttering under your breath, it may be time to reorganize.
Buying a home may be a transaction, but owning one is an ongoing responsibility. Once the boxes are unpacked and the closing documents are filed away, it is easy to settle into everyday life and forget about some of the paperwork, records, insurance coverage, and maintenance information connected to your home. That is why I recommend giving your home an annual homeowner checkup . Think of it as a once-a-year opportunity to make sure your records are organized, your coverage still makes sense, and you know where to find important information if you ever need it. Here are seven things worth reviewing. 1. Create or Update Your Home Inventory If you had to make an insurance claim tomorrow, could you remember everything you own? Probably not—and neither could most of us. A home inventory can be as simple as walking through each room with your phone and taking photos or video. Pay particular attention to higher-value items such as electronics, appliances, jewelry, artwork, furniture, collectibles, and tools. For major purchases, consider keeping: Receipts Model and serial numbers Purchase dates Photos Warranty information You do not need to create a museum-quality catalog of every fork and bath towel. The goal is simply to have enough information to document what you own if something happens. 2. Make Sure Important Records Are Stored Safely Homeowners tend to accumulate an impressive amount of paperwork. Some of it can safely disappear into the recycling bin. Some of it cannot. Consider keeping important home-related information together, including purchase and settlement documents, warranties, receipts for major improvements, contractor information, insurance policies, surveys, HOA documents, and records for major systems such as the roof, HVAC equipment, and water heater. Digital copies can also be helpful, particularly if the originals are stored in the home. The important question is this: If you needed one of these documents six months from now, would you know where to find it? If the answer involves opening eleven drawers and muttering under your breath, it may be time to reorganize.
