How do I Bury Paper Money?

Burying paper money needs to be done carefully to prevent damage.

There are a number of different options when it comes to saving your money. Banks, credit unions and other financial institutions offer numerous deals and interest rates to entice you to trust them with the safe storage and handling of your income. While these business are frequently insured against loss, some people prefer to hold onto their own money in case of a banking crash. Some keep money hidden under mattresses and in containers around the house while others prefer to bury it in a private location. Burying paper currency needs to be done carefully to prevent damage such as crisping or mildew build-up.

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Step 1

Group the bills into equal-sized stacks that can sit evenly next to each other. Secure each stack with a rubber band to hold it in place.

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Step 2

Group the stacks into a square configuration and wrap them tightly in a plastic sheet that covers all sides of the square. Plastic wrap used for moving works well for this. Wrap the plastic around the square multiple times to ensure it will be protected against moisture. Add at least three layers of plastic per square.

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Step 3

Place the plastic-wrapped square of bills into a waterproof container. PVC plastic works well for protecting against moisture, and some lock boxes are designed to protect against the elements. The container should seal itself tightly when closed to prevent water from getting in. For added security, use a container with a lock on it.

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Step 4

Close the container securely once it is full.

Step 5

Choose a burial location. Ideally, it should be close to your home so you can get to it quickly when you need to. High ground is better to avoid flooding, and stay clear of trees at the actual burial site so the root system doesn't interfere with your stash in the future. Use any surrounding trees or rocks as landmarks and carve fake initials into them so you can remember years later where your stash is. Count out how many paces it takes to get to the location from a start point near the house.

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Step 6

Bury the container at least five feet down into the ground. You can dig deeper if you prefer. Fill in the hole once the container is inside and add leaves and other natural debris to the area to keep it natural looking while the dirt settles back into place. Walk over it several times as well to help settle the dirt.

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Step 7

Draw a partial map to your buried money for your own memory and keep it in a safe deposit box. This can help you years later if you have a hard time locating your stash.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber bands

  • Plastic wrap

  • Waterproof container

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