Why Every Home Needs a Digital Inventory (and How to Start Today)

by Kristina Browning, Professional Home Organizer in Oregon City, Oregon

Let’s be honest: preparing for a natural disaster or home emergency isn’t exactly the most exciting thing to put on your weekend to-do list. But if you’ve ever lived through one (a wildfire scare, a flood warning, or even a break-in), you know how very real the panic can get. And if you haven’t experienced it? Consider this your friendly nudge to get ahead of the chaos. Trust me—as an interior-focused home organizer right here in Oregon City—I promise this is one of those small but mighty tasks that will make you feel incredibly accomplished and protected.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, less than 50% of homeowners have a home inventory, yet having one can double the speed of an insurance claim and increase payout accuracy by up to 40%. That’s huge. Imagine trying to remember every book title, power tool, and heirloom vase in the middle of a stressful situation. Nope. Not ideal.

Why a Home Digital Inventory Matters More Than Ever

Let’s set the scene: it’s 10pm and you’ve just gotten word that wildfires are approaching. You’ve got minutes to grab the essentials and go. Do you know exactly what’s in each room? The value of your electronics? The serial number of your laptop? Probably not.

That’s where a home inventory comes in.

Creating a detailed digital inventory of your belongings helps you:

• Speed up homeowners or renters insurance claims

• Keep proof of ownership and value

• Stay organized (even if you're moving!)

• Feel prepared—and who doesn't need a little more of that?

Modern Inventory Apps Worth Your Time (And Sanity)

The good news? You don’t need to dig out a dusty clipboard and manually catalog every single item. There are fantastic home inventory apps in 2025 that make this process so much easier. Here are my favorites:

1. Sortly (iOS, Android) – Still the Best Overall

Sortly lets you capture every detail—photos, serial numbers, warranties, and even QR labels for your moving boxes (hello, dream move!). It’s user-friendly and perfect for those who love both function and finesse.

2. Encircle (iOS, Android, Web) – Best for Insurance Documentation

Designed with insurance claims in mind, Encircle allows you to upload receipts, create detailed room-by-room inventories, and share reports directly with your insurer.

3. Itemtopia (iOS, Android) – Best All-In-One Life Organizer

This app tracks everything from home items to repairs, warranties, and even your car maintenance. It's a little bit Type A, a little bit genius.

4. Nest Egg (iOS) – Feature-Rich & Intuitive

You can batch edit, add barcodes, and even track loans (like if your neighbor still has your leaf blower). It’s like having a personal assistant in your pocket.

5. MyStuff2 Pro (iOS) – Great for Collectors

Ideal for those who own art, books, or collectibles. You can record values, appraisals, and notes with ease.

6. Magic Home Inventory (Android) – Great for Landlords or Multi-Property Owners

If you manage more than one property, this one is streamlined and simple without a big learning curve.

7. Memento Database (iOS, Android, Desktop) – For Spreadsheet Lovers

Perfect if you want ultimate customization and cloud syncing. Think of it as Excel, but prettier.

💡 Pro Tip: Start with a video walkthrough of your home using your phone. Narrate what you’re filming, and store the footage in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox). This quick step is better than nothing and can make a world of difference.

This Is One of Those “Do It Now, Thank Yourself Later” Things

Let me say this louder for the people in the back: this is NOT about panic—it’s about peace of mind. Think of it like putting a seatbelt on your stuff. You hope you never need it, but if you do? You’ll be so glad you took 45 minutes to make it happen.

And hey—if all this sounds overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. As a local home organizer in Oregon City, I help families simplify, prepare, and fall in love with their interiors and their systems. We can tackle your inventory together, get your spaces streamlined, and build in little habits that make your home run more smoothly. It's just one piece of the home functionality puzzle that makes your home handle everything life has to throw at you.

📅 Ready to finally get this off your mental to-do list? Let’s book a free 15-minute consult. I’ll bring the motivation and expertise—you just bring yourself.