Expensive jewelry items should be photographed and stored in a secure location. Consider obtaining a jeweler’s written appraisal of the item. In case of loss, this will not only provide an estimate of the value of the item, but will also provide a jeweler’s technical description, even if the value has changed. If an appraisal (which will include a photograph) is not practical, take a picture of the item yourself and include it with your important documents.

Electronic entertainment items and computer hardware usually have serial numbers. You should have a complete description, including manufacturer’s name, model and serial number. These numbers should be duplicated and stored in at least two secure locations. Some people will put this inventory in a plastic bag in the freezer or in a safe location at their place of employment. This list may also include a list of credit card and bank accounts along with their numbers and where to call in case of loss. You may also consider engraving these items with your driver’s license number.

If you are concerned about documents and valuables in the home, it may be a good idea to rent a safe deposit box from a local financial institution. These are very secure storage facilities that protect from both fire and theft. If you are considering having a safe in your home, make sure it is theft and tamper resistant. Many people purchase fireboxes, which are designed specifically to withstand fire and have all the appearances of a safe, but are not very secure. A good safe should be concealed from plain view, such as installed in the floor and covered by carpet or other flooring material. If the safe is not installed in the floor or wall, it should be bolted down from the inside. A good lock and safe shop can tell you how to do this. This prevents the burglar from removing the safe and then working on it later. A trusted friend or adult relative should be advised where the safe is and how to get in it if the need should arise. There have been cases where a safe was discovered in a home many years after it was sold because someone died and had not told anyone about it.