It’s very inexpensive to obtain a reasonable sized fire-proof safe at your local Home Depot, Costco, or office supply store.

SAFE DEPOSIT BOX CHECKLIST

• keep these documents in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe
• check off each item as you include it
• include the date and location of your safe deposit box
• keep list at home in a file labeled “safe deposit box”
• if you remove something permanently, change your list

• copies of drivers licenses
• copies of other items in your wallet (in case stolen)
• list of credit card account numbers
• insurance policies
• last will and testament
• living wills
• powers of attorney (durable and medical)
• also give copies to executor in a sealed and labeled envelope

• social security cards
• birth or adoption certificates
• death certificates
• marriage licenses
• divorce decrees
• military records
• passports

• vehicle titles
• household inventory (video, photos, appraisals, etc.)
• real estate warranty deeds

• jewelry
• coins
• collectibles
• other expensive or hard-to-replace items
• may need additional insurance when items not locked away

• cemetery deeds, burial instructions, and estate documents
• box may be sealed upon your death
• need to make sure family has your last wishes and instructions
• tax records
• copies of education records, diplomas, and transcripts
• appliance and equipment instructions and warranties with serial numbers
• bank statements and cancelled checks
• credit card statements
• medical and health records
• investment account statements
• passports or passport numbers

Lynn Plait is a Professional Organizer who specializes in personal finance. Visit her website at http://www.finorder.com/ or contact her at lynn@finorder.com.  Content provided by OnlineOrganizing.com — offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.