How to work through the house
Do one room at a time, and do not try to finish in one sitting.
Start with photos and video
Use the walk-through you took after the fire. Pause the video room by room and list what you see on shelves, in drawers and on walls.
Go clockwise around each room
Start at the door and work around the walls, then the middle of the room, then closets and drawers.
Use memory prompts
Old photos on your phone, social media posts, online order histories and bank statements show items you may have forgotten.
Fill in what you can, mark what you can't
Leave a column blank rather than guessing. You can add details later.
Separate cleaned from lost
Mark items that are being cleaned by a contents specialist so they are not listed twice.
Charred contents and burned belongings piled after a fire. Included to show the kind of work involved, not a property or job connected to this site.
Worksheet columns
| Column | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Room | Where the item was | Upstairs hall closet |
| Item | A plain description | Wool winter coat |
| Brand and model | If known; check labels and photos | Brand name, size |
| Quantity | How many | 2 |
| Age | Approximate years owned | About 4 years |
| Where bought | Store or website, if remembered | Online order |
| Condition before fire | New, good, worn | Good |
| Damage | Burned, smoke, water, unknown | Heavy smoke odor |
| Status | Cleaning, discarded, kept, pending | Sent for cleaning |
| Proof | Photo, receipt, statement, none | Photo from last winter |
Commonly forgotten items
- Spices, pantry staples and cleaning supplies
- Linens, towels and pillows in hall closets
- Holiday decorations stored in the basement or garage
- Tools, garden equipment and sporting gear
- Children's toys, books and school supplies
- Bathroom contents: cosmetics, hair tools, medicines
- Light bulbs, extension cords and small electronics accessories
- Window coverings, area rugs and wall art
- Frozen food and the contents of a garage refrigerator
- Items in the attic or crawl space that were affected by smoke
Common questions
Do I need receipts for everything?
Usually not. Photos, bank or card statements, product manuals and your own description help. Higher-value items may need more proof, so ask your adjuster.
Should I throw out items before they are listed?
Try not to. If something must go for health reasons, such as spoiled food, photograph it first and note it on the worksheet.
How long does this take?
For a whole house, often many hours spread over several weeks. Sharing the job among household members by room helps.
General information for Centennial, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.