There’s a long list of documents you should protect in the event of a catastrophe from family documents such as birth certificates to financial paperwork to legal documents such as wills. But how do you keep these important documents secure?
Make an inventory, create extra copies, and store them in a safe location. These are some of the best ways to protect your most important documents. It is also a good idea to use online document storage options such as password-protected external hard drives cloud-based platforms or secure document scanners that will give you a secure digital copy.
Physical filing systems are another way to protect documents, particularly when they’re fireproof. There are numerous options on the market, from small safes with fireproofing for home use to large ones that keep file cabinets and hanging folders. Think about a virtual filing system such as Shoeboxed. It can digitize expenses and receipts, making it easier to be reimbursed, maximize tax deductions and also do your accounting.
A fireproof safe is one the best ways to ensure that your important documents are protected from environmental and theft. There are plenty of options available from small safes that are fireproof that are easy to hide in the back of your closet, to larger safes that are designed to withstand high temperatures and even ensure your possessions are safe in a flood. One option to consider is the Honeywell 1104 one, which can keep your documents safe for up to an hour in extreme heat. It also keeps water out (water is used to put out fires). A smaller safe is less expensive and more convenient to carry than a larger safe. Some are even waterproof for extra security.