How to Estimate Your Home Contents Value & Why It Matters For Insurance

One of the most common—and costly—mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the value of what’s inside their home. Furniture, clothing, electronics, kitchenware, décor, tools, and personal items add up faster than most people realize. 

Knowing the value of your home’s contents is essential to making sure your homeowners insurance provides enough personal property coverage if a fire, theft, or other covered loss occurs.

1. Understand What “Contents” Really Means

Home contents (also called personal property) include almost everything you own that isn’t permanently attached to the house:

• Furniture and mattresses
• Clothing and shoes
• TVs, computers, tablets, and phones
• Appliances not built into the home
• Kitchen items, cookware, and small appliances
• Books, décor, and collectibles
• Tools, sports gear, and hobby equipment

A quick rule of thumb: if you could turn your house upside down and it would fall out, it’s considered contents.

2. Do a Room-by-Room Walkthrough

The most accurate way to estimate your contents is a room-by-room inventory. Start at the front door and work your way through every space, including closets, basements, attics, garages, and sheds.

For each room:

• Write down major items first (sofa, bed, TV, dining table)
• Add smaller items in groups (clothing, shoes, kitchenware)
• Estimate replacement cost—not what you paid originally

Most people are surprised to discover their contents value is much higher than expected.

3. Use Photos or Video to Capture Everything

A simple and effective method is to:

• Take photos of each room from multiple angles, or
• Record a slow video walkthrough while narrating what you own

This not only helps estimate value but also serves as documentation if you ever need to file a claim. Store copies digitally in the cloud or email them to yourself so they’re safe if your home is damaged.

4. Estimate Replacement Cost (Not Garage-Sale Value)

Insurance is designed to replace items, not reimburse what you could sell them for. Ask yourself:

• What would it cost to buy this item new today?
• Would I replace it with something similar in quality?

A ten-year-old couch might cost $2,000 to replace—even if you originally paid less.

5. Pay Special Attention to High-Value Items

Certain items have coverage limits under standard homeowners policies, including:

• Jewelry and watches
• Fine art and collectibles
• Firearms
• Musical instruments
• High-end electronics

If you own these items, list them separately and talk to us here at Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig about scheduling them or adding a rider for broader protection.

6. Use Online Tools or Inventory Apps

Many insurance carriers and third-party apps offer home inventory tools that guide you through the process and automatically calculate estimated values. These tools can be especially helpful if you prefer a structured approach.

7. Review and Update Regularly

Your contents value changes over time. Major life events—moving, remodeling, buying furniture, or receiving gifts—can significantly increase what you own. Review your personal property coverage at least once a year.

Why This Matters

If your contents coverage is too low, you may face significant out-of-pocket costs after a loss. A quick inventory today can prevent financial stress later—and ensure your homeowners insurance truly protects your lifestyle.

Call us with your questions on home contents coverage and for a quote on the right home and auto insurance with all of the credits and discounts you deserve. 

Until next time,

Your SZW Team

SZW Insurance is your Utica area Trusted Choice™ independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.