
<p><span>Creating an estate inventory might sound overwhelming, but it can also be kind of fun (-ish). You’re basically just writing down everything that’s important to you—from the family heirloom on the mantel (fun) to your online accounts (okay, less fun, but very necessary). And an inventory ensures that you don’t overlook anything. Here’s an estate inventory checklist to help you start!</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-use-an-estate-inventory-checklist">Why Use an Estate Inventory Checklist?</h2>



<p>Well, because your estate probably includes a lot more things than you realize. It&#8217;s not just obvious things of value like your home, car, and savings. It&#8217;s also less obvious things like sentimental items (e.g., family heirlooms), digital assets (e.g., social media accounts) and pets (yes, pets!).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-real-estate-and-property"><strong>1. Real Estate and Property</strong></h3>



<p><span>Some of the most significant assets on your estate inventory.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Primary residence</span></li>



<li><span>Vacation homes</span></li>



<li><span>Rental properties</span></li>



<li><span>Undeveloped land</span></li>



<li><span>Timeshares</span></li>



<li><span>Commercial properties</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-financial-accounts"><strong>2. Financial Accounts</strong></h3>



<p><span>The details of every financial account you own.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Checking accounts</span></li>



<li><span>Savings accounts</span></li>



<li><span>Certificates of deposit (CDs)</span></li>



<li><span>Investment brokerage accounts</span></li>



<li><span>Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, etc.)</span></li>



<li><span>Health savings accounts (HSAs)</span></li>



<li><span>Money market accounts</span></li>



<li><span>College savings plans (like 529 plans)</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-vehicles-and-transportation"><strong>3. Vehicles and Transportation</strong></h3>



<p><span>Beyond cars even—anything that gets you from Point A to Point B.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Cars</span></li>



<li><span>Motorcycles</span></li>



<li><span>Boats</span></li>



<li><span>RVs and campers</span></li>



<li><span>Aircraft (yes, some people own planes!)</span></li>



<li><span>Trailers</span></li>



<li><span>Bicycles (electric or otherwise)</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-personal-belongings-and-collectibles"><strong>4. Personal Belongings and Collectibles</strong></h3>



<p><span>Items with personal or sentimental value—and sometimes big financial value, too.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Jewelry</span></li>



<li><span>Fine art</span></li>



<li><span>Antiques</span></li>



<li><span>Coin collections</span></li>



<li><span>Stamp collections</span></li>



<li><span>Memorabilia (sports, music, pop culture, etc.)</span></li>



<li><span>Rare books</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-household-items"><strong>5. Household Items</strong></h3>



<p><span>Everyday things but still part of your estate.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Furniture</span></li>



<li><span>Appliances (large and small)</span></li>



<li><span>Electronics (TVs, sound systems, gaming consoles, etc.)</span></li>



<li><span>Kitchenware (dinnerware, utensils, cookware)</span></li>



<li><span>Linens and bedding</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-sentimental-items"><strong>6. Sentimental Items</strong></h3>



<p><span>Maybe not financially valuable but still priceless.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Family photos (printed or digital)</span></li>



<li><span>Scrapbooks</span></li>



<li><span>Handwritten letters</span></li>



<li><span>Heirlooms (like grandma’s china set)</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-business-interests"><strong>7. Business Interests</strong></h3>



<p><span>Businesses or any professional partnerships.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Sole proprietorships</span></li>



<li><span>Shares in partnerships</span></li>



<li><span>LLC memberships</span></li>



<li><span>Corporate stocks</span></li>



<li><span>Professional licenses or certifications</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-insurance-policies"><strong>8. Insurance Policies</strong></h3>



<p><span>All insurance policies, both personal and property-related.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Life insurance</span></li>



<li><span>Health insurance</span></li>



<li><span>Homeowner’s insurance</span></li>



<li><span>Auto insurance</span></li>



<li><span>Umbrella insurance</span></li>



<li><span>Long-term care insurance</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-digital-assets"><strong>9. Digital Assets</strong></h3>



<p><span>Increasingly important in our digital world.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Email accounts</span></li>



<li><span>Social media accounts</span></li>



<li><span>Digital photo libraries</span></li>



<li><span>Online subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)</span></li>



<li><span>Cryptocurrency wallets</span></li>



<li><span>Website domain names</span></li>



<li><span>Cloud storage accounts</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-debts-and-liabilities"><strong>10. Debts and Liabilities</strong></h3>



<p><span>What you owe.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Mortgages</span></li>



<li><span>Auto loans</span></li>



<li><span>Credit card balances</span></li>



<li><span>Student loans</span></li>



<li><span>Personal loans</span></li>



<li><span>Outstanding medical bills</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-legal-documents"><strong>11. Legal Documents</strong></h3>



<p><span>Papers that outline your wishes and responsibilities.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Will</span></li>



<li><span>Trust documents</span></li>



<li><span>Power of attorney</span></li>



<li><span>Advance health care directives</span></li>



<li><span>Titles and deeds</span></li>



<li><span>Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-miscellaneous-assets"><strong>12. Miscellaneous Assets</strong></h3>



<p><span>Items that don’t fit neatly into other categories but are just as important.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Patents or trademarks</span></li>



<li><span>Royalties or residuals</span></li>



<li><span>Air miles or travel rewards points</span></li>



<li><span>Gym memberships</span></li>



<li><span>Club memberships (golf clubs, social clubs, etc.)</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-cash-and-valuables"><strong>13. Cash and Valuables</strong></h3>



<p><span>Cold, hard cash or other valuables stored away somewhere.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Cash (kept at home or in a safe)</span></li>



<li><span>Gold or silver bars (some people have them)</span></li>



<li><span>Rare coins</span></li>



<li><span>Precious stones</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-pets-and-animal-related-items"><strong>14. Pets and Animal-Related Items</strong></h3>



<p><span>Yes, part of your estate!</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Dogs, cats, or other pets</span></li>



<li><span>Livestock</span></li>



<li><span>Aquarium fish</span></li>



<li><span>Pet care supplies (like expensive habitats or kennels)</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-15-retirement-benefits-and-pensions"><strong>15. Retirement Benefits and Pensions</strong></h3>



<p><span>All retirement income sources.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Pensions</span></li>



<li><span>Social Security benefits</span></li>



<li><span>Employer-sponsored retirement plans</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-16-tax-information"><strong>16. Tax Information</strong></h3>



<p><span>Boring, but critical for managing your estate after you’re gone.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Past tax returns</span></li>



<li><span>Property tax records</span></li>



<li><span>Tax-deferred investment accounts</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-17-charitable-contributions"><strong>17. Charitable Contributions</strong></h3>



<p><span>Regularly supported causes or plans to leave donations.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Charitable donations</span></li>



<li><span>Pledged gifts</span></li>



<li><span>Endowments or scholarships</span></li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-18-hidden-or-overlooked-assets"><strong>18. Hidden or Overlooked Assets</strong></h3>



<p><span>Not obvious but still hold value.</span></p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><span>Unclaimed property (check your state’s unclaimed property database!)</span></li>



<li><span>Safe deposit box contents</span></li>



<li><span>Prepaid funeral expenses</span></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-estate-inventory-checklist"><strong>An Estate Inventory Checklist</strong></h2>



<p><span>There you have it—an estate inventory checklist for your <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2514/what-is-estate-planning/">estate planning</a> journey. But while this list has a lot of stuff on it, it’s not exhaustive. Use it to get started on and then tailor it to your unique life and assets. And remember, an estate inventory isn’t just about money (ahem, pets!). </span></p>


An Estate Inventory Checklist for You


<p><span>You’ve probably heard people talk about putting things “in trust,” but what does that even mean? Spoiler: It’s not just for billionaires trying to shelter their yachts. Trusts are surprisingly versatile and can hold way more than you’d think—from your house to your grandma’s vintage tea set (yes, really). So, what goes in trusts? Here’s a rundown of 50 things.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-your-home"><strong>1. Your Home</strong></h4>



<p><span>The classic starter. Putting your <a href="https://simplytrust.io/3346/putting-a-house-in-a-trust/">house in a trust</a> helps you avoid probate and make things easier for your heirs.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-vacation-property"><strong>2. Vacation Property</strong></h4>



<p><span>Because even your beach getaway deserves a little estate planning love.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-rental-properties"><strong>3. Rental Properties</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got tenants? Keep things tidy by putting in your rental properties.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-bank-accounts"><strong>4. Bank Accounts</strong></h4>



<p><span>Savings, checking, CDs—you can park them all in. Just leave enough for your coffee habit.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-investment-accounts"><strong>5. Investment Accounts</strong></h4>



<p><span>Stocks and bonds feel right at home in a trust, whether they’re skyrocketing or…well…not.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-retirement-accounts-sort-of"><strong>6. Retirement Accounts (Sort Of)</strong></h4>



<p><span>While you can’t technically move retirement accounts in, you can name the trust as a beneficiary. Clever, right?</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-life-insurance-policies"><strong>7. Life Insurance Policies</strong></h4>



<p><span>Ensure that payout goes exactly where you want it to—no detours.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-cars"><strong>8. Cars</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even your beloved vintage Mustang or trusty minivan can go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-boats"><strong>9. Boats</strong></h4>



<p><span>If you’re lucky enough to have one, keep it shipshape in a trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-art-collections"><strong>10. Art Collections</strong></h4>



<p><span>Picasso or paint-by-numbers, your art can go safely in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-jewelry"><strong>11. Jewelry</strong></h4>



<p><span>Grandma’s pearls? Uncle Joe’s gold cufflinks? Trust-worthy.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-antiques"><strong>12. Antiques</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your Victorian rocking chair can have a secure future, too.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-heirlooms"><strong>13. Heirlooms</strong></h4>



<p><span>Pass down the family treasures without drama. Trusts to the rescue!</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-business-interests"><strong>14. Business Interests</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got an LLC or shares in a company? Placing them in protects them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-15-patents-and-trademarks"><strong>15. Patents and Trademarks</strong></h4>



<p><span>Own the next big invention? Keep those royalties flowing where you want them.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-16-copyrights"><strong>16. Copyrights</strong></h4>



<p><span>Music, books, or films you created? Your trust can hold the rights to your masterpieces…or your family beach videos.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-17-digital-assets"><strong>17. Digital Assets</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2951/include-digital-assets-in-trusts/">digital assets</a> like your blog, social media accounts, or NFT collection can go in</span>.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-18-cryptocurrency"><strong>18. Cryptocurrency</strong></h4>



<p><span>Bitcoin? Ethereum? Trusts can hold the keys to your digital goldmine.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-19-promissory-notes"><strong>19. Promissory Notes</strong></h4>



<p><span>Owed money? Trusts can hold these, making repayments smoother.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-20-mortgages"><strong>20. Mortgages</strong></h4>



<p><span>If someone owes you, a trust can hold that asset.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-21-loans-to-family"><strong>21. Loans to Family</strong></h4>



<p><span>Keep those IOUs in to avoid future awkwardness.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-22-precious-metals"><strong>22. Precious Metals</strong></h4>



<p><span>Gold bars, silver coins, or platinum—trusts love a good shine.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23-farm-equipment"><strong>23. Farm Equipment</strong></h4>



<p><span>Got a tractor? Put it in. Your John Deere will thank you.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-24-livestock"><strong>24. Livestock</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your cows, sheep, or alpacas can also join the party.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-25-agricultural-land"><strong>25. Agricultural Land</strong></h4>



<p><span>Because farmland is worth protecting for future generations.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-26-mineral-rights"><strong>26. Mineral Rights</strong></h4>



<p><span>Oil, gas, or other resources? A trust can hold those royalties.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-27-airplane"><strong>27. Airplane</strong></h4>



<p><span>Private jet or hobby glider? (I mean, some people do own airplanes). You can keep them flying high.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-28-collectible-cars"><strong>28. Collectible Cars</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your pristine 1967 Camaro deserves a secure spot.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-29-wine-collections"><strong>29. Wine Collections</strong></h4>



<p><span>Whether it’s for drinking or investing, wine’s a worthy asset.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-30-sports-memorabilia"><strong>30. Sports Memorabilia</strong></h4>



<p><span>Babe Ruth’s signed baseball or your childhood rookie card collection fits right in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-31-firearms-in-some-states"><strong>31. Firearms</strong> (in Some States)</h4>



<p><span>Firearm trusts are a thing—</span>in some states<span>. (Not all states allow for their inclusion in trusts because of the complexity of firearm licensing.</span>)</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-32-horses"><strong>32. Horses</strong></h4>



<p><span>Racehorses, show horses, or your daughter’s beloved pony—cover it all.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-33-timeshares"><strong>33. Timeshares</strong></h4>



<p><span>Avoid the paperwork headache by putting timeshares in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-34-club-memberships"><strong>34. Club Memberships</strong></h4>



<p><span>Golf, country club, or yacht club memberships can go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-35-wedding-rings"><strong>35. Wedding Rings</strong></h4>



<p><span>Sentimental and valuable, these deserve protection.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-36-collectible-stamps"><strong>36. Collectible Stamps</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your prized philatelic treasures will stay safe.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-37-coins"><strong>37. Coins</strong></h4>



<p><span>Old pennies or rare gold coins? Trust-approved.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-38-furnishings"><strong>38. Furnishings</strong></h4>



<p><span>From IKEA to bespoke furniture, it’s trust material.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-39-books"><strong>39. Books</strong></h4>



<p><span>First editions, signed copies, or family Bibles can all find a place.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-40-tools"><strong>40. Tools</strong></h4>



<p><span>Hand tools, power tools, or that one wrench you’ve had forever.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-41-music-instruments"><strong>41. Music Instruments</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your Steinway piano or Fender guitar can live on in trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-42-medical-equipment"><strong>42. Medical Equipment</strong></h4>



<p><span>You can include wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other medical devices.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-43-airline-miles"><strong>43. Airline Miles</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, you can assign these to a trust. Free flights forever!</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-44-frequent-flyer-points"><strong>44. Frequent Flyer Points</strong></h4>



<p><span>Similar to airline miles, these can also go in.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-45-gift-cards"><strong>45. Gift Cards</strong></h4>



<p><span>If they’re valuable enough, even gift cards can hang out in a trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-46-holiday-decorations"><strong>46. Holiday Decorations</strong></h4>



<p><span>Yes, even your prized antique Christmas ornaments.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-47-pets"><strong>47. Pets</strong></h4>



<p><span>This one is serious. <a href="https://simplytrust.io/2706/are-pet-trusts-a-thing/">Pet trusts</a> ensure that your furry loved ones get the care you want them to.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-48-sentimental-items"><strong>48. Sentimental Items</strong></h4>



<p><span>Your scrapbook or photo albums or whatever else you want can go to the right person.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-49-cash"><strong>49. Cash</strong></h4>



<p><span>Sometimes the simplest option is also the best.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-50-anything-else-of-value"><strong>50. Anything Else of Value</strong></h4>



<p><span>If it matters to you and has worth, even if it’s just sentimental, it’s probably trust material.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-goes-in-trusts-what-doesn-t-sort-of"><strong>What goes in trusts? What doesn’t (sort of)?</strong></h2>



<p><span>Trusts are like a Swiss Army knife for estate planning—they can hold a surprisingly wide variety of items. Whether it’s your Tesla, your typewriter, or your tuxedo collection, trusts are flexible enough to handle it. So, what goes in trusts? Just about everything but the kitchen sink (and honestly, maybe that too).</span></p>


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An Estate Inventory Checklist for You

What Goes in Trusts? Here are 50 Things.