When you need important documents, you can never find them. Papers can get lost in the shuffle or stored away in boxes.

Maybe it’s time to start rethinking how you store those important documents for when you need them most. When it comes to figuring out how and where to store your documents, here are some ways to keep them safe and secure while having easy access.

Organizing your records

Throwing all your important papers in a box is not wise or the best organizational tool. The best way to organize is to set up a filing system so you can easily find your documents. File your documents by either topic or year in a physical filing cabinet or convert to digital versions by scanning. Consider switching to paperless billing and electronic delivery of statements that can be saved in your digital filing system.

Whichever way you’re more comfortable with, remember to review them periodically.

Keeping them safe

Some of your documents may contain personal data such as account numbers, insurance, or Social Security information. To prevent identity theft, place these items in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe. With safe deposit boxes, make sure to keep copies of any important documents just in case of an emergency. Since the bank is safe keeping your documents, you’ll only have access to them during banking hours.

When you’re ready to dispose of these documents, make sure to shred them. If you save any digital files, lock them by password protecting the folder or removable drive. You should also encrypt them.

When storing documents, keep them in a place that is dry and not prone to flooding. If you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding, store your locked documents upstairs or attic space instead of the basement.

Need a safe place?

If you need a safe place to store documents, consider Adirondack Bank for a safe deposit box. Several of our branch offices have safe deposit boxes available in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Store your items in a safe, secure area without worrying. Separate viewing rooms are available to ensure your privacy. See our branch locations directory for safe deposit box locations. Check with the branch for size and availability information.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with Adirondack Bank. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. Adirondack Bank is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the information provided or the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. Adirondack Bank makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.

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