Document Storage & Retrieval
You've taken meaningful steps to plan ahead; now it's time to make sure your wishes, documents, and instructions are easily accessible to the people who need them most. Whether it’s your executor, Power of Attorney, or a trusted loved one, having the right documents in the right place can make all the difference during a moment of crisis or transition.
Why This Matters:
Even the most thoughtful plans can cause stress if they’re hidden, misplaced, or locked behind unknown passwords. By organizing and securely storing your documents now, you ensure your wishes are not only known, but able to be carried out smoothly.
Make Your Plan Easy to Find and Follow
Think of this step as connecting all the dots. By storing documents properly and sharing access with the right people, you turn planning into peace of mind, not just for you, but for those carrying out your wishes.
What This Means for Your Family:
When the time comes, your loved ones won’t be left searching, second-guessing, or scrambling for paperwork. Instead, they’ll find a clear, organized path forward, one that honors your wishes, reduces stress, and allows them to focus on what truly matters: remembering you with love and care.
In This Section You'll Find Info On:
- Best Practices for Safe & Accessible Document Storage
Best Practices for Safe & Accessible Document Storage:
- Use a fireproof, waterproof safe for original legal documents like wills, power of attorney, and advance directives.
- Create a digital backup of all key paperwork and store it in a secure, encrypted digital vault or password-protected folder.
- Maintain an “If Something Happens” binder, kept in an obvious, easy-to-access place for your executor or POA.
- Share passwords and access instructions for safes, digital files, and cloud accounts with your executor, digital executor, or trusted designee.
- Label and organize files clearly so that someone unfamiliar with your system can find what they need with minimal confusion.
- Keep a copy of this planning checklist in your “If Something Happens” binder or safe, so it’s easy to follow and reference.