Guide

How to document contents after a house fire

Short answer To document contents after a house fire, photograph every room and every damaged item before you throw anything away, list each item with its brand and model where you can, note the quantity, age, and condition, and keep any receipts. Organized photos and lists become the basis for a replacement cost inventory.

Start before you clean up

The most useful documentation happens before anything is moved or discarded. Once cleanup begins, items get combined, thrown out, or lost, and the record gets harder to rebuild. Walk each room and capture what is there first.

If the property is not safe to enter, wait for clearance from the fire department or your restoration team. Safety comes before any inventory.

What to capture for each item

You do not need to be perfect. Capture what you can, and capture more detail on higher-value items.

FieldWhy it matters
PhotoShows the item and its condition
Brand and modelLets an accurate replacement price be found
QuantitySets of items add up quickly
Age and conditionUsed later for depreciation
Receipt or sourceSupports the value if you have it

Organize by room

Working room by room keeps the list complete and easy to follow. Open drawers, closets, and cabinets. Small items such as kitchenware, tools, linens, and electronics are easy to overlook and often make up a large share of a contents claim.

Turn photos into values

Once you have photos and a list, each item needs a replacement cost value. Doing this by hand means searching retailer sites item by item, which can take hours or days on a contents-heavy loss. ContentsIQ turns your photos and lists into replacement cost values with the evidence attached, then your team reviews each one before it is final. It documents and values contents. It does not replace your adjuster or restoration team.

Work with your adjuster or restoration team

Your documentation supports the professionals handling the claim. Clear, organized records make their job easier and keep the process moving. ContentsIQ is built to complement that work, not to negotiate on anyone's behalf or promise a particular outcome.

FAQ

Should I throw damaged items away after a fire?
Not before they are documented. Photograph damaged items and record their details first, then follow your adjuster's or restoration team's guidance on what to keep and what can be discarded for safety.
What details should I record for each item?
A photo, the brand and model where you can find them, quantity, approximate age, condition, and where you bought it if you remember.
What if I do not have receipts?
Receipts help but are not required for every item. Photos, model numbers, and clear descriptions let a current replacement price be found and documented.

Turn your photos into a contents inventory

ContentsIQ identifies items and values them, with the evidence attached.