How to Store Your Valuables

Family heirlooms, important documents, priceless jewelry, emergency cash and rare coin collections are just a few of the valuables that should be stored safely away. Even if they're insured, many either have intrinsic sentimental value, or are such an inconvenience if lost, that they're worth taking extra precautions to safeguard.

Instructions

1. Rent 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 papers. Keep an inventory of what items you have stored in the safe deposit box.

2. Use a wall or floor safe in your home 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. Store family pictures and photo albums 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. Store valuable documents that one might need in an emergency -- including current insurance policies, passports, emergency cash, debit or credit cards, home inventory checklists and photos of other valuables -- in one central location such as a lock box or file tote. Also put extra keys to your vehicles, storage unit and safe deposit box in the same location.

5. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Document with photos or video, sales receipts, serial numbers etc. Keeping a home inventory can help immensely if you find yourself having to file an insurance claim.

• Shredded paper makes a great packing material.

• 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.