Welcome to Home Habits with #yourHOMEgirl! This is your go-to series for simple habits and tips that can make a big impact in your home. From quick “how-to’s” to maintenance reminders, I’m here to help you stay on top of your home game - one small step at a time.

Our first Home Habit: Record a Video Walkthrough of Your Home!

Life can be unpredictable, and as much as we hope for the best, it’s always smart to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s a natural disaster, theft, or another type of emergency, having a documented inventory of your home can be an absolute game-changer for insurance claims.

Why Should You Record a Walkthrough?

Think of it as your home’s “insurance backup plan.” A video walkthrough gives you a visual record of your belongings - their condition, placement, and even specific details like model or serial numbers. In the event of an emergency, having this information can make the claims process easier and more accurate.

How to Record Your Video Walkthrough:

1. Start at the Entrance: Capture a full view of each room. Pan slowly across walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. Open Drawers and Closets: Don’t forget those hidden items! Open up cabinets, drawers, and closets to document their contents.
3. Highlight Valuable Items: Focus on furniture, electronics, artwork, jewelry, and appliances. Zoom in on important details like labels or serial numbers, if applicable.
4. Don’t Skip Small Details: Even everyday items like kitchen gadgets, tools, or linens should make the cut. These small things can add up!
5. Keep the Video Secure: Save your video on an external hard drive, a secure cloud storage service, or even email it to yourself for easy access.

Habit Frequency - How Often Should You Do It?

At a minimum, record your walkthrough annually. Starting the year with a fresh record ensures everything is up-to-date. Bonus points if you update the video right before a vacation - just in case something unexpected happens while you’re away.

Pro Tip:

In addition to the video walkthrough, consider keeping a digital list of high-value items with receipts or appraisals. This extra documentation can be helpful in ensuring you’re covered appropriately by your insurance policy.

Are You in the Habit Yet?

Tell me, is this something you’ve already been doing or is this a new idea to you? Either way, taking this small step can save you a lot of hassle and heartache in the future. So, grab your phone or camera, and get started on your walkthrough today - you’ll thank yourself later!

Until next time... Happy home habit keeping!

#homehabits