How to Inventory Personal Belongings

Creating a thorough inventory of the deceased's personal property is a legal requirement in many probate courts and a practical necessity for fair distribution. Walk through the home room by room and photograph every significant item — furniture, electronics, artwork, jewelry, collectibles, clothing of value, tools, sporting equipment, and vehicles. Create a written list alongside the photos, noting the item description, location, approximate condition, and estimated value.

For items of significant value — jewelry, art, antiques, firearms, coin collections, and high-end electronics — get professional appraisals. Estate appraisers typically charge $200 to $500 for a home visit or $100 to $300 per hour. The appraisal establishes fair market value for estate tax purposes and for equitable distribution among heirs. If the will specifies that certain items go to certain people, note those items separately. Items not specifically addressed in the will become part of the residuary estate and are distributed according to the will's general instructions or intestacy law.

The inventory process is also when you should look for hidden valuables and important documents. Check unusual hiding places: inside books, taped behind furniture, inside clothing pockets, in the freezer (a common hiding place for cash and documents), inside decorative items, and in outbuildings like garages and sheds. Check for safe deposit box keys, which may indicate valuables stored at a bank. If family members disagree about who should receive specific items, consider using a structured process such as a round-robin selection, a private bidding system among heirs, or hiring a mediator. Disputes over personal property are among the most common sources of family conflict after a death.