How to Store Your Valuables
- 1). Consider renting a safe deposit box at your bank or credit union. They are available in a variety of sizes and are often used to store items such as a rare coin or stamp collection, patent documents, heirloom jewelry or court documents.
Be sure to keep an inventory of what items you have stored in a safe deposit box. - 2). A wall or floor safe in your home can be used to safely store passports, jewelry, handguns, property deeds or other important documents. Select a safe that has a fireproof rating of at least one hour to help protect items in case of a home fire. A safe with a Class A rating can protect up to four hours in temperatures up to 4000 degrees Farenheit.
- 3). Family pictures and photo albums are often irreplaceable, and should be stored in an area that is free of humidity. Onion skin, acid-free archival paper or parchment paper can be used to slip between large loose photos or certificates to help protect them. If you want to protect against moisture, use large sealable bags and add a few silica gel packets to keep them safe and dry.
- 4). Valuable documents that one might need in an emergency include current insurance policies, passports, emergency cash, debit or credit cards, home inventory checklists and photos of other valuables should be kept in one central location such as a lock box or file tote. You may also want to consider having extra keys to your vehicles, storage unit and safe deposit box in the same location.
- 5). Book or can safes are another way to store valuables inconspicuously. There are a variety of these small containers available that are designed to conceal the true of identity of the items inside such as emergency cash, jewelry or other small items of value. A book safe that has a hollow interior can easily blend in with other books on a shelf or display, and a safe designed to look like just another can of coffee in your pantry, provides inexpensive protection against home burglary. Tin can or stainless steel safes can also aid in protecting against fire.
Of course, with these items, the important thing is to remember that they are NOT just another book or can of coffee. - 6). Valuables that could sustain water damage from plumbing problems or flooding, should never be stored under a bed, on the floor, or in a basement. If possible, relocate those items to top shelves in closets, or in an attic.
- 7). Store silverware, jewelry or coins in wood boxes that have been treated to repel moisture to protect against tarnish. A stick of chalk, a small bowl of activated charcoal, or a handful of silica gel packets will keep the moisture and tarnish levels to a minimum.
Fine china or other breakables should be stored in containers that offer a high level of protection to individual pieces. Make sure there is padding between each plate or saucer, and protect each lid or teacup handle, especially if you are in an area that is susceptible to earthquakes. Even small earthquakes can rattle your best dishes and cause cracking or chipping.
