How to make a personal property inventory for estate planning
Wills tend to cover the house, the accounts and the investments. The everyday belongings, from a watch to a set of tools to the quilt on the spare bed, are often left to the family to sort out. A clear inventory of your belongings, with notes on who should receive what and why it matters, makes that job easier for your executor and kinder for everyone involved.
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Why personal belongings deserve a list
Montana State University Extension calls these items “non-titled property”: photographs, jewelry, quilts, collections, tools and furniture that have no title or account statement saying who owns them. Their value is often sentimental rather than financial, and that is exactly why they are hard to divide.
The Extension guide notes that estate attorneys often see more trouble over personal belongings than over titled assets, and that after a death several people may believe they were promised the same item. A written list does not remove every disagreement, but it replaces guesswork with your own words.
An inventory also helps in practical ways. Your executor needs to know what exists and where it is, and may need a list of belongings for probate paperwork, insurance or distribution.
What to include
You do not need to list every spoon. Focus on items that have meaningful value, sentimental weight, or that more than one person might want.
- Jewelry and watches, with photos and any appraisals or receipts
- Furniture and heirlooms, including where they came from
- Art, collections and collectibles, such as coins, stamps or records
- Tools, vehicles, bikes and sports or hobby equipment
- Electronics with serial numbers, and where passwords are kept
- Family photos, letters, recipes and keepsakes
- Items in storage units, safe deposit boxes or other homes
- Things on loan to others, or borrowed from someone
Write down where the documents are
Your executor will spend a lot of time looking for paperwork. Add a short section, or a location in your inventory, for where each important document is kept. Do not write passwords or account numbers into a shared list; just say where they can be found.
- Will, trust documents and any personal property list
- Powers of attorney and health care directives
- Property deeds and vehicle titles
- Insurance policies, including any riders for jewelry or collectibles
- Appraisals, receipts and certificates of authenticity
- Safe, safe deposit box and storage unit details
- Contact details for your attorney, accountant and insurer
What is a personal property memorandum?
Many US states let a will refer to a separate written list that leaves items of tangible personal property to named people. This is often called a personal property memorandum. The rule comes from Section 2-513 of the Uniform Probate Code, which many states have adopted in some form.
Where it applies, the list generally must be signed by you and must describe both the items and the recipients with reasonable certainty. It usually cannot be used for money, real estate, or intangible assets such as stocks and bank accounts. Because it is separate from the will, it can typically be updated without formally amending the will; the MSU guide suggests dating and signing each change and keeping the list with the will.
State rules vary. Some states do not recognize these lists, and those that do differ on the wording the will needs and how the list must be signed or dated. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Ask an estate planning attorney in your state how to write and store one so it will be followed.
Deciding who gets what
Fair does not always mean equal. One child may want the piano and another the fishing gear, and those are not the same in value or meaning. The Extension guide suggests deciding what “fair” means to you and your family before you divide anything.
Ask before you decide
Ask family members which items matter to them and why. You may be surprised which things people care about.
Be specific
Describe each item clearly: “the gold Omega watch, serial ending 4471”, not “my watch”. Photos help.
Name a backup
Say who should receive an item if your first choice cannot or does not want it.
Explain the reasons
A short note on why someone receives an item can prevent hurt feelings later.
Consider giving now
Some items can be given during your lifetime, so you see them enjoyed and the list gets shorter.
Record the stories behind sentimental items
The most valuable part of many heirlooms is the story, and it is the first thing lost. Who made the quilt? Where was the clock bought? Which grandparent carried that pocketknife? Write it down next to the item, even in a sentence or two. The MSU guide recommends sharing these stories as a way to preserve family history.
Photograph marks, signatures and inscriptions, and record names, dates and places while you still can. Family members who receive the item will receive its history too.
Sharing the list and keeping it current
Tell your executor that the inventory exists and where to find it. Many families also share it with the people named, so wishes are known in advance and questions can be asked now. If you prefer to keep parts private, share the general inventory and keep the signed memorandum with your will.
Review the list once a year, and after big changes: a move, a sale, a new grandchild, a gift or an inheritance. Remove things you no longer own and add what is new. A list that matches what is actually in the house is far more useful than a perfect one from ten years ago.
How Allventory helps with an estate planning inventory
Allventory can hold the working inventory: what you own, where it is, the photos and the stories. Any legal wishes still belong in your will or a signed memorandum, prepared with advice for your state.
Photograph your belongings quickly
Add several items from one photo and review the suggested names, categories and AI value estimates before saving. Estimates are not appraisals.
Room by room, and beyond
Organize items by locations such as “Bedroom / Jewelry box” or “Storage unit / Box 4”. Portfolio and Professional plans hold more than one property.
Stories in the description
Use each item’s description for its history, and tags such as For Anna or Heirloom to see who you have in mind.
Papers attached to items
Attach appraisals, receipts and certificates to each item, up to 20 files, each marked receipt, warranty, manual or other.
Share with family and your executor
On paid plans, invite family members with view access so they can see the list without changing it, or as contributors to help add items.
Export a copy
Export a CSV on any plan, or Excel and insurance supporting documents on paid plans, to keep with your estate papers.
Questions people ask
How do I make an inventory of my belongings for my will?
Go room by room and list items that have financial or sentimental value, with photos, descriptions and where they are kept. Note who you would like to receive each item, and ask an estate planning attorney how to make those wishes legally effective in your state.
What is a personal property memorandum?
A separate signed list, referred to in a will, that leaves specific items of tangible personal property to named people. Many states allow one, but the rules vary, so check with an attorney in your state.
Can I change my personal property list without changing my will?
In states that recognize these lists, you can usually update the list without formally amending the will. Date and sign each version and keep it with your will.
How do I divide sentimental items fairly among siblings?
Talk early, ask each person what matters to them, and agree on what fair means before dividing anything. A written list with reasons and backups helps avoid misunderstandings.
Should I share my inventory with my family?
At least tell your executor where it is. Many people share the list with family members so wishes are known in advance, while keeping the signed memorandum with the will.