Why inventory your valuable objects? An essential gesture to protect your heritage

An essential reflex to avoid many conflicts and prevent your objects from losing value.

Introduction – Value exceeds price
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Whether it's a jewel passed down by a grandparent, a collector's watch, a bicycle, a work of art or a rare instrument, our valuable objects embody much more than an amount in euros. They have a history, an emotional charge, and sometimes strategic importance in the composition of a heritage. Yet they are often neglected in the daily management of our goods. This is explained by the fact that the vast majority of heritage consists of real estate and financial assets, objects generally constituting only a small part of the heritage (less than 15% in financial value). But their perceived value often far exceeds the mere 'price' of the object.
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What does the notion of "valuable object" cover?
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An object is a movable good that can be touched, appropriated and moved. Everyone generally owns dozens, even hundreds of valuable objects, without really realizing it. But a valuable object is not necessarily a treasure in everyone's eyes — it can simply be something that you consider precious, rare or irreplaceable.
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The term covers a wide range of goods, generally characterized by several combined elements:

• Their financial value, which is generally considered in relation to a market value, i.e. the ability to sell it;
• Their rarity or unique character;
• Their fragility or portability (which makes them vulnerable to theft or damage);
• Or their sentimental or symbolic value.
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As an illustration, we can cite the following categories, which are those that are generally most used:

• Jewelry and watches
• Works of art: paintings, sculptures, drawings
• Ancient books and manuscripts, stamps, collectibles
• Musical instruments
• Professional equipment (machines, tools, utensils)
• Designer or antique furniture, valuable carpets
• High-end technological devices (audio, camera, drones)
• Wine bottles
• Clothing and bags
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Obviously, the concept of valuable object is variable geometry and it is up to you to document it as such, in order to give it the place it deserves in your heritage. Any object or set of objects can fit into the definition if you decide so. If it has value for you, then it must be documented.
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At least four good reasons to create an inventory of your objects
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a) To protect against theft or any disaster (fire, water damage, blow to follow up on an accident)
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In case of burglary, fire or water damage, having a precise inventory allows you to:

• Quickly provide proof of ownership to the insurer;
• Obtain compensation adapted to the real value of the goods;
• Speed up the processing of the file.
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b) To meet insurance requirements
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Most insurers ask for:

• Proof of possession (photos, invoices, certificates);
• Proof of ownership (because if you are not the owner, it can be difficult to get compensated afterwards).

And impose specific guarantee ceilings for valuable objects.

A rigorous inventory is therefore essential to:

• Properly calibrate your home insurance or precious objects contract;
• Justify the presence of a specific object, especially if it was acquired a long time ago or transmitted without invoice.

c) For better asset and succession management
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By clearly identifying valuable objects, their location and their estimation, we facilitate:

• A global vision of one's movable heritage;
• The adjustment of insurance policies to the value of your objects, upstream of any disaster;
• The organization of a smooth transmission (bequests, donations, fair sharing between heirs);
• The handling of possible expertises.

d) For peace of mind
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A well-structured inventory provides a sense of control. We know what we own, where it is located, and how to protect or transmit it.

Conclusion: a simple reflex for better protected heritage

Inventorying your valuable objects means protecting much more than things. It means preserving a memory, organizing your future, and avoiding bad surprises. Inventorying your valuable objects is therefore nothing other than a good practice for anyone who wants to protect and enhance their heritage. In a world where risk is omnipresent, documenting is the best way to master your objects and have optimal organization for any future eventuality.

At Objectory, this is the mission we have given ourselves. To offer you a simple, accessible and secure tool that allows you to fully manage the data of your valuable objects with complete peace of mind.