Assessing Your Documents

Begin by gathering all relevant documents and records. These may include:

1. Financial Documents: Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement account information, tax returns, and insurance policies.
2. Legal Documents: Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, property deeds, and any other legal documents.
3. Medical Records: Health insurance information, medical history, prescriptions, and contact information for healthcare providers.
4. Personal Records: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, social security cards, passports, and driver’s licenses.
5. Real Estate Documents: Mortgage documents, property titles, rental agreements, and home insurance policies.

Creating a Filing System

Once you’ve gathered your documents, it’s essential to establish an organized filing system. Consider the following tips:

1. Use Categories: Organize your documents into categories based on their type, such as financial, legal, medical, and personal.
2. Label Clearly: Use clear and descriptive labels for each category and subcategory to ensure easy retrieval of documents when needed.
3. Invest in Storage: Invest in a secure storage solution for your documents, such as a fireproof safe or a locking filing cabinet.
4. Back Up Digitally: Consider digitizing your documents for backup purposes. This can provide an additional layer of security and accessibility.

I recently discovered a tool for organizing these documents, called The Nokbox (NOK is Next Of Kin). The Nokbox is a complete system that helps you organize all of your accounts, possessions, social media presence, communities, kids, pets, personal history, and estate plans. It’s an estate planning tool AND a home organization system all in one. Details at: www.TheNOKbox.com

Photos

Another category that warrants attention this month is photos. Consider digitizing photo albums to free up space and streamline your move. Electronic photo frames are a great way to display your favorite photos. Print photos may be digitized for online storage and access, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Some local businesses that offer digitizing services are CVS, Doorstep Digital, and Canyon Creek Photo Scanning.

Purging Unnecessary Documents

As you organize your documents, take the opportunity to purge any unnecessary paperwork. Shred or securely dispose of documents that are outdated or no longer relevant. This will help declutter your filing system and streamline the moving process. Several cities and local community organizations offer shred events at no or lost cost for shredding.

Preparing for Your Move

As moving day approaches, ensure that your important documents are easily accessible. Consider creating a designated “moving binder” or folder to keep essential paperwork handy during the transition. This should include documents related to your new home, as well as any paperwork needed for the moving process itself.