Best apps and tools for documenting your claim

After going through multiple claims, here are the tools that made the biggest difference:

1. Encircle app - for contents inventory. Walk through your house recording everything on video and it helps you catalog items. Do this BEFORE you have a claim.
2. Google Photos / iCloud - auto backup all photos. Your phone is your best documentation tool.
3. CompanyCam - if you want to get fancy, this is what contractors use to document jobs.
4. A dedicated email folder - every communication with your insurance goes here. Date stamped, searchable.
5. A simple spreadsheet - track every phone call with date, who you spoke to, and what they said.

The #1 rule: document everything BEFORE you need to. Its 100x harder to recreate after a loss.