Free Content Inventory Template

If you have water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, sewage damage, or any other type of loss that damages your belongings, it is essential to carefully document everything for both insurance and content restoration purposes. Using a content inventory template makes this process easier, allowing you to record each affected item, its condition, and replacement value in a structured way that adjusters will accept.

PRO TIP: If any of your appliances were directly affected by water, sewage, or soot, they should always be inspected by a licensed professional. Have them note in writing if the item requires replacement, and attach their invoice to your claim. Be sure to also list that appliance and the estimated replacement cost in your content inventory template to avoid delays with your insurance adjuster.

Most warranties are void once appliances or electronics are exposed to water. Even if the unit still works, you should ask your adjuster to include it in your claim since the warranty is no longer valid. For example, homes with only a few inches of flooding often see damage to water heaters. In these cases, your content inventory template becomes critical for proving the loss and securing coverage for replacement.

Content Inventory Sheet Instructions

(also known as ALE - Additional Living Expenses)

1. Download the spreadsheet.
2. Enter in your name, address, date, and claim number.
3. Create a folder on your phone for your photos.
4. Take detailed pictures of each item that was ruined due to this loss. Try to get the make, model, and serial number.
5. Go to your computer and search for each item.
6. Type in the quantity, a brief description, price and copy the url link where you found the item.
7. If you need more columns, right click in the cell on the far left and click insert to add more columns.
8. Do NOT discard any of these items until your adjuster says you can in case they want to evaluate themselves.
9. Get it in writing/email that you can discard the photos before you eliminate them.
10. Save as a .pdf file and email to your adjuster when complete.

If your home or business is in Northern New Jersey, we’re a company that can provide the expert help you need to clean up and restore your home from water damage,  smoke & odor loss and provide guidance on your contents as well. We are here to help - call PDQ Restoration today at 973-447-3363 to speak with one of our water, smoke cleanup, and odor removal restoration experts.