As we turn the page on the second half of 2023, I would recommend that you add a project on your 2023 summer to do list. If you do not have a list of important papers and documents, put together, I would strongly recommend that you take a few hours and get all of these things organized. This is a great start but you may need to add more.
- Identification documents:
- Passports
- Driver's licenses
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Financial and legal documents:
- Insurance policies (homeowners, renters, auto, etc.)
- Property deeds and titles
- Mortgage or lease agreements
- Wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
- Bank account information
- Investment and retirement account details
- Tax returns (past few years)
- Vehicle registration documents
- Marriage/divorce certificates
- Child custody/guardianship documents
- Medical records and prescriptions:
- Health insurance information
- Medical history records
- Prescription medications and dosage information
- Immunization records
- Allergies and medical conditions information
- Home and property records:
- Home inventory (including photos or videos)
- Home appraisal documents
- Repair and maintenance records
- Homeowners' association documents
- Rental or lease agreements (if applicable)
- Contact information:
- Emergency contact list (family, friends, neighbors)
- Contact information for insurance agents, doctors, and other professionals
- School and childcare provider contacts
- Important personal records:
- Diplomas, degrees, and certifications
- Employment records
- Military service records
- Miscellaneous:
- Emergency cash or traveler's checks
- Spare house and car keys
- USB drive or external hard drive with digital copies of important documents
Remember to keep these documents in a safe, waterproof, and fire-resistant container or store digital copies in secure cloud storage. It's also a good idea to inform trusted family members or friends about the location of these documents or provide them with copies for safekeeping.