Household records make life a lot easier when you have to deal with a chaotic or catastrophic household event, such as a renovation, burglary, flood, or major appliance failure. Here are some general suggestions on what kinds of records to keep and where and how to keep them safe and handy.
- In a safety deposit box, keep the most important records, such as birth certificates, passports, etc. For insurance purposes it is a good idea to include photographic or video records of valuable items, such as jewelry.
- In a water and fire resistant box, keep insurance policies and other paper items that you would need to access regularly but still need to keep quite secure.
- In a filing cabinet or folder, keep receipts, property surveys, home maintenance records, tax records, as well as manuals and warranties for appliances.
- Near the phone, keep a list of emergency phone numbers, such as those for poison control, your insurance agent, the doctor, plumber, electrician, and heating contractor.