Taking an inventory of everything you own is one of the best things you can do to protect your property and peace of mind.

Serial numbers and detailed lists of what you own can help police find your belongings if they’re stolen.

Those details can also help you work with your insurance

agent on a claim in case of a fire.

In both cases, imagine trying to remember what you’ve lost as you deal with the stress of a crime or tragedy.

Irene Jones said she had talked about documenting her home belongings for years, but she never did.

Then she met Rich Hine, a self-made home inventory specialist based in Marysville, who she hired to document valuables in her home as well as her business, Irene Jones Photography in Everett.

“I do what all insurance companies tell their clients to do: inventory and document valuables,” said Hine, a former Everett police officer, who saw his share of unsolvable burglaries during his 17 years in law enforcement.

Hine, who retired from the police department in June 2010 with two bad knees, has documented about 30 properties so far as the owner of Home ID, creating photographic records as well as detailed listings for homeowners.

Hine focuses primarily on valuables as well as items with serial numbers, what he calls the “fingerprints” of a person’s property.

Between Jones’ home and Broadway photo studio, Hine found 75 items with serial numbers, from inexpensive fans to high-end photography equipment. Between the two properties, he documented about 300 items in all with about 500 pictures.

“I had no idea I had so many electronics,” Jones said. “I’m just so grateful that we have that list. If we had been robbed before doing this, there would have been no way to even remember all the things we had.”

Jones, 30, felt like she should have been able to do her own inventory, especially as a professional photographer well acquainted with print and digital files.

But her schedule didn’t permit it.

“When do you actually get the time to go through and inventory your entire house?” said the wife and mother of three. “It’s one of those things that I know how to do and just don’t have the time for it.”

Hine gives his customers at least three copies of digital records as well as one leather-bound portfolio that include a list of what they own with the relevant details — make, model, serial number and description — along with numerous thumbnail-size photos.

He also includes close-ups of nearly all serial number base plates.

“That is the stuff that is really traceable,” Hine said, adding that serialized items can show up at pawn shops or for sale online, which can help police link stolen belongings to criminals trying to sell them.

“That’s the key back to all those other items that are stolen,” he said.

Hine, who speaks to neighborhood groups about his service as well as how to do their own inventories, said homeowners can do their own documenting.

Hine said he’s much faster than the average homeowner, however, because he has spent so many hours streamlining the process, and he knows which items to inventory.

He charges $100 per hour for his visits, which usually take five to six hours. He does not charge for the time he spends off site putting all the information together.

He can do photo-only visits, which don’t include lists and start at $375.

Homeowners don’t have to do anything to get ready.

“I just open all the drawers,” Hine said, adding that if there is jewelry in the house, he sits down to do the inventory one-on-one with the client at a kitchen table, just to keep all the small pieces safe and secure.

Hine said his service, which he highly recommends for owners of jewelry, collectibles, art, guns, tools and electronics, isn’t a replacement for a home security system or homeowners insurance.

“It’s to make those things work for you,” he said. “Ask any victims of burglary or fire. I bet that they will tell you that not knowing or having proof of missing items was one of the worst aspects of the event.”

Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.

Home ID

Rich Hine of Marysville charges $100 for every hour needed on site to do the home inventory. Home visits start at $375. Call 425-923-3117 or see www.myhome-ID.com for more information.