Kept · Home inventory guide
Kept or a home inventory spreadsheet?
A spreadsheet, a set of notes and a dedicated app can all help you record your belongings. The useful choice is the one whose structure and upkeep suit you.
Your own structure, or a ready-made item record
A spreadsheet lets you choose columns, formulas and layout. You might start with item name, room, purchase date, price and a photo. Kept provides an item record with photos, purchase details, serial number, barcode and notes, organised by room. It is a native app for iPhone and iPad.
Neither approach keeps itself current. When a belonging moves or its details change, update the record. A dedicated layout may suit you; a custom sheet may be a better fit if you enjoy shaping your own system.
| Task | Kept | DIY spreadsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Item details | Existing fields and a room-based structure. | Choose your own columns, categories and layout. |
| Photos | Up to six photos attached to each item. | Insert images or maintain links to separately stored photos. |
| Readable copy | Export a PDF for the whole inventory or one room. | Excel and Google Sheets support PDF output; choose the print layout. |
| Storage and recovery | Local inventory; create a separate encrypted backup manually. | Depends on the software, storage location and backup settings you choose. |
| Starting allowance | Free includes 10 items, unlimited rooms and all inventory features. | Cost and limits depend on the spreadsheet product and plan. |
Spreadsheets can contain photos and export PDFs
These are not exclusive app features. Microsoft documents pictures inside cells in Excel for Microsoft 365 and Excel 2024, and Excel export to PDF. Google Sheets supports images in or over cells and printing a sheet, workbook or selection, including PDF output.
The difference is the workflow: in a DIY sheet, you decide how photos, notes and item rows stay connected and how the report should look. Kept supplies that item-and-room structure.
What about Notes and a photo library?
That can work too. Apple Notes can hold photos and other attachments. You can keep a note per room or per item. If photos live separately, use consistent names or references so you can match them to the right details later. Start with information you already have rather than rebuilding everything at once.
Choose with the tradeoffs in view
Kept needs no Kept account and does not automatically sync your inventory to the cloud. For recovery, create a password-encrypted backup through Files, keep an accessible copy outside the app and keep its password safe. A PDF is a readable report, not a restorable inventory backup. With a spreadsheet or notes, check the chosen tool’s storage, sharing and recovery settings.
Kept Plus is optional and only removes the item limit. The Free allowance includes PDF export and encrypted backups. Kept is available in the United States and South Africa. See Kept’s features and current pricing, or read how to start a home inventory.