Hardware or office supply stores usually carry document carrying cases. You can also find them online. Lockboxes might come with a key or combination lock. Whichever you choose, make sure you keep the key or combination in a safe place that you can reach. Tell your family where to find these as well. [2] X Research source Some people think putting their documents in a safe is the best plan, but you won’t be able to carry a big or heavy safe. This means you could lose your documents if you have to leave your home. A portable lockbox is a much better choice.
You may also want to leave the box in a high place, like up on a shelf or on a second-floor, as an extra precaution against flood damage.
You should hide the box a little, just in case a thief enters your home. Putting it in the back of your closet should be enough, as long as you know where it is and can get it in a hurry. Tell other members of your household where the box is as well, in case they have to leave quickly when you aren’t there.
There are also smartphone apps that let you take photos and store them as PDFs. This is a quick and easy way to backup your documents. Digitizing less important documents can be a great way to cut down on clutter in your home as well. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with too much paperwork, this can help you get organized.
Make sure you password-protect any folders that you store important documents in. Set your cloud files to private, and put a password on the folders on your computer or flash drive. [8] X Research source You could also store the flash drive or hard drive in another lockbox at your bank. This way, you have digital copies in 2 physical locations.
Self-identification documents include your passport, birth certificate, social security card, and green card or immigration records. You should also leave a copy of your driver’s license or state-issued ID. If you served in the military at any point, then include your service ID and records as well. For your family relationships, include your marriage or divorce records, children’s birth certificates, adoption or child custody papers, and pet ownership records or tags.
Important ownership records include the deed to your home, property value assessment, title to your car and other registration documents, your will, and bank and retirement account information. Also include copies of any insurance plans you have. Generally, records for recent or ongoing financial obligations should be in the box as well. Examples include your mortgage documents, loan information, alimony, child support, automatic payment records for cable, gyms, utilities, or subscriptions, and most recent tax returns. If you rent your home instead of owning it, include your lease or rental agreement.
Remember to include all of this information for other members of your household or family as well. If you have any disabilities, make sure to add records that prove this as well as any paperwork for your benefits or compensation. If you have a pet, include veterinary records too.
Some items you might need coverage for include your home, car, artwork, collectible items, or expensive electronics.
While having emergency cash is important, don’t leave all your savings in there. Money in a bank account is insured by the FDIC and money in your lockbox isn’t. It’s better to leave most of your savings in the bank and only store what you might need in cash. [15] X Research source
Some important but non-critical paperwork includes recent bank statements, tax returns more than a year old, school or work papers, utility bills, credit card statements, and important receipts. Generally, if bills or statements are over a year old, you can shred them. You could also digitize them if you want to keep records without any clutter. Organize your files in alphabetical order so they’re easier to find.
