A wildfire can turn life upside down in an instant.

The aftermath is overwhelming and figuring out what to do next can be incredibly stressful.

If your home was affected, one of the first steps after filing an insurance claim is preparing a detailed personal property inventory.

What Is a Personal Property Inventory?

A personal property inventory is a complete list of items lost or damaged in the fire, along with details like their condition, age, estimated value, and proof of ownership. It can include:

• The name of the item and brand (if applicable)
• A description and model number
• The estimated value
• Proof of purchase (if available)

Your insurance company will use this to determine how much compensation you’re entitled to.

But be sure to create a thorough list. Without a full inventory, you may receive less compensation than you’re entitled to. Many homeowners forget key items when filing a claim, which is why it’s essential to document everything in as much detail as possible.

If you’re not sure where to start, this guide will walk you through the process and provide a total loss inventory template to help you get started.

How to Create a Personal Property Inventory

1. Create an Itemized List

To start, create a general list of all items lost. Some areas to consider are:

• Furniture
• Kitchen appliances
• Artwork
• Office equipment and electronics
• Clothing

2. Document Key Details

List as much information for each item as possible. Doing this in a spreadsheet can help.

For example, the first two rows could look like this:

Item	Brand/Model	Age	Condition Before Fire	Estimated Value	Proof of Purchase
Refrigerator	LG 31 cu. ft. French Door, Stainless Steel	3 years	Excellent	$2,500	Receipt from Home Depot

Best Practices:

• Be Specific: Instead of just “TV,” list “Samsung 55” 4K Smart TV, purchased 2021.”
• Include Values: Look up similar items online if you’re unsure of the cost.
• Check for Old Receipts: If you have documentation and proof of original purchase, this can help you prove value of specific items. Online orders, credit card statements, and warranties can help prove what you owned.

3. Use Photos or Videos for Proof

Visual documentation, if available, is helpful for showing proof of ownership and the condition before the fire. If you took photos or videos of your home before the fire, these can be incredibly valuable.

• Check old phone backups (Google Photos, iCloud, Facebook, etc.).
• Look at real estate listings if you recently bought your home.
• Use receipts from past purchases to verify item details.

4. File Your Claim & Keep a Copy

Once your inventory is complete, submit it to your insurance company as soon as possible. If you remember more items later, you can file a supplemental claim.

Then, follow up with your insurance provider periodically. Ask for updates and keep records of your conversations.

Why a Public Adjuster is Essential for Total Loss Situations

In a total loss scenario, recalling every item and its details can feel overwhelming. A detailed personal property inventory is your best tool for getting the compensation you deserve after a wildfire. Take your time, be thorough, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

That’s where a public adjuster like Rubin Adjusting comes in.

• We help you recall lost items – Even if you don’t remember everything right away.
• We organize your claim – To ensure nothing gets overlooked.
• We negotiate with your insurer – So you receive the full payout you deserve.

Rubin Adjusting is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation with our team now.