Estate Inventory

[huntnphool]

 Have any of you prepared your spouse or children with inventory of your sporting goods?

 I want to inventory everything for my kids, individually document each item of value that they wouldn't necessarily be familiar with...firearms, camera gear, optics, etc, and put it all in a binder in my safe.

 Anybody have a good detailed form they have come up with to do something like this?

[HillHound]

I don’t. I have friends who have used a digital camera taking pictures of all makes model serial numbers of firearms, spotting scopes, etc. And then putting  the SD card in a safety deposit box or in the fire proof safe or whatever else you keep your important documents. But I think it would be nice to have a hard copy of something. Seems like the only time technology fails is when you really need it. Following along

[jrebel]

I just used a spreadsheet.  It is very important to have this information in case of theft too.  I had a pistol stolen...upon reporting it stolen I was able to provide the serial number that otherwise wouln't have been anywhere except on the gun.  It was recoverd a week later on a sting of known car prowlers.....Thank goodness.

Two thoughts, having had done this.

1.  You have to stay on top of it and keep it up to date...it is a live file that needs constant attention (at least in my case)
2.  After you complete it, print it off and store at least two copies in different locations.  One in your safe and another in a family member safe or safe deposit box. 

[huntnphool]

I don’t. I have friends who have used a digital camera taking pictures of all makes model serial numbers of firearms, spotting scopes, etc. And then putting  the SD card in a safety deposit box or in the fire proof safe or whatever else you keep your important documents. But I think it would be nice to have a hard copy of something. Seems like the only time technology fails is when you really need it. Following along

 I've thought about that and have taken detail pics of everything like you say. What I want to do is have a binder that they can go to that is a no brainer. For instance, individual camera lenses with pics of them, pics of serial numbers, purchased new or used, how much I paid and approx. worth.

 Firearms for example, pics with serial number, purchased new or used, pre 594 or post, how much paid for and approx. worth.

 My wife/kids have been well informed of the implications for all these little details. I want to make it a no brainer for them.

[huntnphool]

Two thoughts, having had done this.

1.  You have to stay on top of it and keep it up to date...it is a live file that needs constant attention (at least in my case)
2.  After you complete it, print it off and store at least two copies in different locations.  One in your safe and another in a family member safe or safe deposit box.

 Great stuff, I do plan to keep up on it, full size printed sheets in plastic sleeves will make it easy.....thanks for the idea of two copies!

[ellensburgpo]

Good idea but don’t let the wife see the true numbers or the day will come sooner then you think

[huntnphool]

Good idea but don’t let the wife see the true numbers or the day will come sooner then you think

Of that I’m certain!

[PolarBear]

My Dad did years before he passed and it saved a lot of problems.  He even wrote in the inventory sheets who got them after he was gone (me).  I was able by looking at it to discover guns that were loaned out and was able to get them back as was instructed in the document.  He had it notarized as well.  I did the same after our place was broken in to and some antique rifles were stolen. Every make, serial number, condition etc along with pictures. 

[Dan-o]

My parents didn't.......   It was a hassle.

My wife's parents didn't.....   It was a hassle and relationships were broken.

That was enough for us.   
We did it and had a trust made up.   That came with a detailed binder so our kids will have good info.

[runamuk]

I am thinking spreadsheet, maybe pics and a trust to help with the real estate. Not sure but feeling like my exit plan needs to be expedited.

[huntnphool]

My parents didn't.......   It was a hassle.

My wife's parents didn't.....   It was a hassle and relationships were broken.

That was enough for us.   
We did it and had a trust made up.   That came with a detailed binder so our kids will have good info.

 So what kind of sheet did you come up with?  Anybody that can share a pic of a good example to start with, that would be great!

[Romulus1297]

My insurance has to have description, serial number and value

[huntnphool]

My insurance has to have description, serial number and value

 Thanks, but that’s not what I’m asking. I don’t care about the insurance company, I want this for my family.

[Romulus1297]

That is only 1 way to keep track

[baldopepper]

While you're documenting all of your various equipment you really should check your home insurance to see what your firearms coverage is. Many policies only cover up to a certain limit (often only $1500.00) Not a subject most of us like to deal with, but had a friend whose home burned with a total loss of his guns. Insurance didn't come close to covering as it maxed at $1500.00.  Riders on a policy to up that coverage are not that expensive and don't necessarily think your gun safe is going to protect them in an intense fire. It didn't his, and it's best to keep your documentation outside of your home so it isn't also lost in a fire.  Might surprise you to find jewelery and musical instruments usually have a low max also.

[timberghost72]

I use a spreadsheet and hard copies in my safe. Also backup hard drive for my computer.

Another thing I do for important documents is email them to myself and wife. That way you have another place to access them anytime.

[wkraemer]

All good advice, one thing that no one has said is keep the record separate.  My wife's dad had an ex walk off with his guns during a divorce.  She moved out and took his guy stuff: Guns, tools, and anything that had value.  Being I am my wives 3rd husband, I am leery to let her see my list of guns and there values.  I got married at 37.

Funny story, my 7 year old great nephew is being all boy and likes guns.  he asked how many I had, and true to my form, I did not give him a number.  I responded not enough.

For that reason ,I have my list on my work computer.  My list includes:  make, model, serial number, cost, and value.  I also have some pictures on my cell phone.  I might want to make a flash drive with pictures and list.

[fish vacuum]

You don't need a form. Make a list with values, serial numbers, whatever you want. Email it with a few pics. Done.