Document storage is a part of everyday life. We need to store contracts, wills, receipts, tax information, and more. A lot of times, these documents contain sensitive information. Not only do they need to be protected from the wrong hands, but they also need to be protected from other unfortunate events such as fires. Continue reading to learn more about proper document storage from the team at Shred Monkey.
In-Home Safe
Buy fire-resistant, lockable file cabinets or safes if you choose to keep essential documents at home. Be sure to carefully consider these storage options as some don’t offer enough heat protection and are simple to break into. The greatest quality may require a higher price, but it should only be necessary once. Make sure the lock combination or key is accessible to at least one reliable person outside of your home.
Deposit Box
A deposit box rental from your bank is an offsite storage option if you don’t need frequent access to your documents. Your belongings will be kept in a secured metal box with additional security. Depending on the size of the box, renting a safe deposit box might cost anywhere from $60 to $180. Safety deposit boxes have limitations, such as the fact that they are only accessible when a bank is open and that the contents are not covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Reputable Attorney
You might want to keep important papers on file with a lawyer’s office if you hired them to draft your will as part of your estate plan. Most estate planning lawyers will keep this paperwork on file without charging you extra. If you want to take this path, be aware of any company changes to ensure that your paperwork does not get misplaced during a transfer.
Digital or Cloud Storage
Storing your documents online is a smart approach to keeping them accessible and secure. You can have 24-hour access on your computer or mobile device, thanks to services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive, as long as you have an internet connection. Although there is a chance of cyber hackers, cloud storage methods have several benefits. For instance, in the event of an emergency, you can immediately share your documents with family members, medical professionals, and insurance.
After a certain time period, it may be time to dispose of your important documents. You’ll want to be absolutely certain they are disposed of properly. That is why Shred Monkey offers residential shredding services. Additionally, if your documents have been stored digitally, we offer hard drive destruction. You can contact us today at (317) 916-1800 to request an estimate. We service Indianapolis, IN, and the surrounding areas.