Ep 026 – Preparing for Natural Disasters – A Homeowner’s Guide

Summary:
In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, co-hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic tackle one of the most vital topics every homeowner needs to hear about: disaster preparedness. Natural disasters — from wildfires and hurricanes to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes — are increasingly impacting every region of the country. Beth and John break down how homeowners can be proactive rather than reactive when the unexpected strikes.

They walk you through practical, actionable steps: creating evacuation plans, assembling essential go bags, safeguarding pets and livestock, hardening your home against potential threats, and ensuring your insurance coverage is truly adequate. They also stress the importance of a home inventory — why it matters, how to do it fast, and how it can make the difference between a stressful insurance battle and a smoother recovery.

This conversation isn’t about fear; it’s about calm, clarity, and readiness. By planning ahead, you can protect your family, your finances, and your peace of mind no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Tune in and learn how to be truly prepared for anything.

Keywords

home disasters, evacuation planning, insurance, home inventory, natural disasters, property protection, emergency preparedness, family safety, utilities, disaster response

Takeaways

  • The home is a complex entity that requires management.
  • Different regions face different types of disasters.
  • Evacuation plans should include multiple routes.
  • A go-bag is essential for quick evacuations.
  • Protecting your property can minimize damage.
  • Insurance coverage should be reviewed regularly.
  • A home inventory is crucial for claims.
  • Living without utilities requires preparation.
  • Planning helps maintain calm during disasters.
  • Financial resilience is key after a disaster.

Sound Bites

  • “The home is a complex entity.”
  • “Find a way to get your family safe.”
  • “Getting ahead of it is important.”
  • “Do you own an emergency generator?”
  • “How would the claims process work?”
  • “Prepare for financial resiliency.”

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Home Disasters

01:51 Understanding Different Types of Disasters

06:55 Evacuation Planning and Safety

10:46 Protecting Your Property

15:51 Insurance and Home Inventory

21:55 Living Without Utilities

26:06 Final Thoughts on Preparedness

Ep 025 – Out of Sight, Out of Mind – Inventory Your Storage Unit

Summary:
In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic dive into a topic you might not think about often — what’s hiding inside your storage unit or other outbuildings? Whether it’s transitional moves, seasonal gear, heirlooms, or forgotten treasures, too many people lose track of what they own simply because it’s out of sight.

Beth and John break down why it’s critical to inventory your storage units, sheds, barns, or other structures — and how doing so can save you money, protect your investments, and ease the burden on your family in the future. They share real-life stories (including some pretty wild finds!), practical tips for getting started with a simple photo inventory, and why HomeZada makes managing all these spaces easier than ever.

You’ll also hear how taking just a few hours upfront can prevent the costly mistakes of duplicate purchases, lost heirlooms, and even unwanted appearances on shows like Storage Wars!

This is a must-listen if you have any kind of off-site or extra storage — and even if you think you don’t! Chances are, you’ve got more stored away than you realize.

Keywords

storage units, inventory management, home organization, climate control, estate planning, home inventory, storage solutions, organizing tips, family heirlooms, moving

Takeaways

  • People often forget what they have in storage units.
  • Storage units are used for transitional moves and seasonal items.
  • Climate-controlled storage is important for items like wine and art.
  • Documenting items helps avoid duplicate purchases.
  • An inventory can assist in estate planning and passing on belongings.
  • Taking photos of items can simplify inventory management.
  • Hiring professionals can ease the burden of inventorying storage units.
  • Organizing storage units can save time in the long run.
  • Understanding what’s in storage can prevent unnecessary expenses.
  • Communication with heirs about storage contents is crucial.

Sound Bites

  • “I can’t remember what was in them.”
  • “It’s super easy to take an inventory.”
  • “Documenting is a huge reason to inventory.”
  • “You may be able to see large items.”
  • “It’s a waste of money.”
  • “You can hire somebody to do it.”

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Storage Units and Their Importance

03:27 Reasons for Using Storage Units

06:46 Unique Storage Needs and Climate Control

11:24 The Challenge of Managing Storage Units

13:16 The Importance of Inventorying Storage Units

18:30 Inventorying Other Structures

21:17 The Value of Documenting for Future Generations

24:21 Advice for Managing Storage Units

30:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ep 021 – Navigating the Stress of Moving

Summary

In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the complexities and stresses associated with moving. They emphasize the importance of having a home inventory to manage belongings effectively during a move, including planning, purging unnecessary items, and utilizing professional help. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of moving, particularly for seniors, and the benefits of technology in simplifying the moving process. A heartwarming customer story illustrates the positive impact of proper inventory management on family dynamics during a move.

Keywords

moving, home inventory, stress management, organization, relocation, planning, donation, technology, home management, moving tips

Takeaways

  • Moving can be a huge source of stress for many people.
  • Most homes contain over 300,000 items, complicating the moving process.
  • Documenting your belongings is crucial before a move.
  • Using professional organizers can ease the moving process.
  • Purging items can provide tax benefits when donating.
  • Adapting to a new environment may require new purchases.
  • Technology can help manage and de-stress the moving process.
  • Creating a home inventory for children’s college items is beneficial.
  • Understanding which memories to keep is important during a move.
  • Having a solid plan can significantly reduce moving stress.

Sound Bites

“Moving is just a huge stress.”

“Every home has over 300,000 items.”

“Documenting what you currently have is key.”

“You can use third parties to help you.”

“Purging items can help with taxes.”

“Technology can de-stress people.”

Chapters

00:40 The Stress of Moving

03:36 Importance of Home Inventory

06:43 Planning and Organizing the Move

09:49 Utilizing Professional Help

12:34 Purging and Donating Items

15:43 Documenting for Tax Benefits

18:34 Adapting to New Environments

21:35 Managing Items for College Students

24:27 Heartwarming Customer Stories

30:45 Final Thoughts on Moving and Inventory

Ep 018 – Navigating Estate Planning with HomeZada

Summary

In this episode, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of home inventory management through HomeZada, particularly in the context of estate planning and end-of-life decisions. They explore the distinction between fixed assets and personal belongings, the emotional and financial implications of inheritance, and the benefits of hiring professionals for inventory management. The conversation emphasizes the role of technology in facilitating these processes and the potential for home inventories to prevent family disputes over inherited items.

#homeinventory #homeinventoryapp #homeinventorysoftware #homeinventorytracker #estateplanning #homeinventorymanagement #estateplanner #estateattorney #endoflife #knowwhatyouown

Takeaways

  • – HomeZada helps homeowners manage their home inventory effectively.
  • – Understanding the difference between fixed assets and personal belongings is crucial.
  • – A home inventory can prevent family disputes after a loved one’s passing.
  • – Many people overlook the importance of documenting personal property in estate planning.
  • – Emotional value of items can lead to conflicts among heirs.
  • – Hiring professionals can simplify the home inventory process.
  • – Technology can aid in sharing inventory details with family members.
  • – Video recordings can add a personal touch to the inventory process.
  • – Proactive planning can ease the burden on family members during grief.
  • – HomeZada offers features that support both individual and professional inventory management.

Sound Bites

“I love being a smarter homeowner.”
“Everything inside the home falls into two buckets.”
“Using a home inventory can help prevent infighting.”
“Many people are not prepared with their estate.”
“Emotional value can lead to family arguments.”
“Documenting items can solve disputes after death.”

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to HomeZada and Smarter Homeownership
03:40 Understanding Home Inventory: Fixed Assets vs Personal Belongings
06:38 The Importance of Home Inventory in Estate Planning
09:46 Navigating End-of-Life Decisions with Home Inventory
12:30 Utilizing HomeZada for Effective Estate Management
15:27 Emotional Value vs Financial Value in Inheritance
18:49 Professional Help in Home Inventory Management
21:44 The Role of Technology in Estate Planning
24:41 Final Thoughts on Home Inventory and Family Dynamics

Ep 017 – From Roommates to Relationships: The Essential Guide to Home Inventory & Life Changes

Summary

In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of home inventory in relation to significant life events such as cohabitation and divorce. They explore how documenting personal property can help individuals navigate these transitions more smoothly, ensuring clarity and fairness in asset division. The conversation also highlights the role of technology, particularly AI, in simplifying the inventory process and providing peace of mind for homeowners and renters alike.

Takeaways

  • – Home inventory is valuable for various life events, not just disasters.
  • – Cohabitation often leads to the blending of personal property.
  • – Documenting items helps clarify ownership in shared living situations.
  • – Sentimental items should be tracked for family heritage purposes.
  • – Insurance companies prefer detailed inventories for claims.
  • – HomeZada can assist in amicable asset division during divorce.
  • – AI features in HomeZada can estimate item values quickly.
  • – Having a documented inventory provides peace of mind.
  • – Flexibility in inventory methods caters to different user needs.
  • – Future episodes will explore more life events and AI features.

Sound Bites

“Home inventory is not just for disaster-prone areas.”
“Documenting items can help in insurance claims.”
“HomeZada is flexible for different user needs.”
“AI can help estimate the value of your items.”
“It’s about keeping things fair during separations.”
“Peace of mind comes from having a documented inventory.”

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Home Inventory and Life Events
03:50 Coming Together: Cohabitation and Home Inventory
06:41 Documenting Personal Property: Importance and Methods
09:42 Family Heritage and Sentimental Items
12:40 Insurance and Inventory: Protecting Your Assets
15:43 Moving Apart: Divorce and Asset Division
18:29 Using AI for Home Inventory

RESOURCE LINKS

HomeZada Website