Follow our quick guide to optimising your contents household insurance. You will be able to keep tabs on what you own so you know what is either stolen or damaged and ensure you are comprehensively covered for any eventuality. The best way to do this is methodically and categorically. Keep a camera handy and take pictures of everything, be sure to update the list every six months. 1. Start by picking a room to categorise. Try write down in detail everything you have from furniture, curtains, and individual possessions in each room. It may be easier and helpful to take good quality photographs of each room. 2. Take photographs of your expensive belongings like jewellery, electronics like televisions, music players, cell phones, and cameras. You can upload these pictures onto an online storage facility like Drop Box (www.dropbox.com) for permanent cyber storage or you can burn them to a DVD for safe keeping. 3. Collect and file your receipts, warranties, and invoices as proof of original purchase prices. Take note of the brand, model, and serial numbers of all home electronics. You should also keep your insurance policies in a safe place. 4. Don’t forget to include expensive clothes such as evening wear or designer handbags and shoes. 5. If you are unsure of the value of your jewellery or any other item, get it appraised. Keep in mind the limits often given to the insurance of valuable items in your insurance policy. 6. A great time for spring cleaning; search the tops of cupboards, storage rooms, and garages for items you may have forgotten about like sporting gear, family heirlooms, and seasonal clothing. 7. Don’t forget to include the furniture and items outside like your garden furniture, your braai, children’s jungle gyms, or anything else. ©Diane Moalem for Compare Guru