Where do you store your important documents???

[diamondlil]

Date: 9/29/2005 5:18:57 PM
Author: Milly
I just keep all my important documents in my file cabinet, which is not safe at all.

This might seem like a stupid question, but where''s the best place to purchase a fire safe box?

I found a few that I like at www.costco.com, but the ones I like are so heavy (over 400 pounds

), I don''t know how we''d get it in the house. If I remember correctly, they only offer curb-side delivery. So what do I do to get it the rest of the way, including steps?

If you want a box (small enough to be moved), I''ve seen them at Office Depot and Staples as well as Wallmart.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I was with FI at his favorite store tonight, Lowes

, and they had small fire safe boxes (maybe 5 x 11 x 17) for $19.99 and they go up to $399.99 (larger size maybe 3ft tall) You should know though that all the models that I have seen are only good for 1/2 hr to 1 hr in a fire. I am not sure how long the standard fire lasts but I really do think the bank is the SAFEST place (IMHO) I should ask FI about fires one of his tenants burnt down his house.

No one got hurt and there was insurance but it is scary to think how easy that can happen.

 

[Scintillating]

Buy a safe that you can BOLT to the floor! - None of these small and light, carry - able ones people! They don't protect you. If you can carry it so can a thief, and they aren't stupid they KNOW where we hide things.
Identity theft is real - so are burglaries - and so are fires! Protect yourselves!

Anybody watch "It Takes A Thief" on Discovery?? If you can watch it! It will blow your mind! - And help you plan.

Scintillating...

 

[diamondlil]

Date: 9/29/2005 11:49:25 PM
Author: Scintillating
Buy a safe that you can BOLT to the floor! - None of these small and light, carry - able ones people! They don''t protect you. If you can carry it so can a thief, and they aren''t stupid they KNOW where we hide things.
Identity theft is real - so are burglaries - and so are fires! Protect yourselves!

Anybody watch ''It Takes A Thief'' on Discovery?? If you can watch it! It will blow your mind! - And help you plan.

Scintillating...

The big, bolt-down type is exactly what I''m looking into (weighs over 400 lbs.). I really want to put in there more than important papers and jewelry. After a close friend of mine had her house burn to the ground after being hit by lightening a few years ago, I have a fear of losing all my most treasured pictures -- like my wedding album and my kids baby pics. After being married for 19 years, I don''t keep them out for display anymore, so I''d like to keep those locked in a fire safe. They''ll be just as easy to get to if I need them as they are now in a bookcase, but much safer.

 

[fire&ice]

One thing to consider about those big bolt down safes, many times you have to support the floor or else, over time, the floor will sag or suffer.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 9/30/2005 9:18:41 AM
Author: fire&ice
One thing to consider about those big bolt down safes, many times you have to support the floor or else, over time, the floor will sag or suffer.

yep best place for a good safe is in the basement anchored into a cement pad.
In a bad fire they will survive things falling on them better than falling if the floor gives way.

Things to look for:
Sargent and Greenleaf Group II locks also called s&g group 2 locks.
Relockers
12ga body min. 10 is better.
internel hinges.
1200 degree 30 min fire rating min.

here is one of my favorites:



http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/safes/category.asp?value=008F

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Hi!
I keep all my important documents and whatever jewelry I know I won''t need for each week in safe deposit boxes at the bank.

If you get a chance, read "Confessions of a Master Jewel Thief" by Bill Mason. It''s a great read, and he robbed some famous people.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 9/29/2005 3:28:19 PM
Author: jcrow

Anyone have any advice about fire-proof safes?

i was torn between a heavy one and any easy on the go one.
this is the one i bought. i bought it years ago, and it''s pretty full now. the reason i went with a light one is so that for hurricanes and what not, i can carry it with me- though it''s still heavy. i keep it pretty well hidden- or at least i like to think so...

My previous safe was a portable fireproof safe with a handle. One of the hinges on it broke, though, and I''m not sure how, so these are not as tough as you would think!

 

[butterfly 17]

Well, I thought it over and I think I will just get one of those fire proof, waterproof file cabinets. I already have a safe, so I can always store my jewelery in there.
I really just want something where I can store documents instead of having things randomly placed around the house.
My one thing is that it has to be big enough to actually store stuff into.
I think I found one that I like at Staples. It is waterproof and fireproof and somewhat hefty( 90 lbs.) and the price is just a little over $100, so it won''t cost me a fortune.

I also like the idea of storing everything at the bank, I just don''t like the bank fees! And I don''t like the idea of not having easy accessibility to my stuff.

What are the usually bank fees for a safety deposit box anyway?

 

[hoorray]

I have one that weighs a couple hundred pounds or so. It sounds like Shay's. It's not bolted down,but can and should be. (It's been on my list to get done for years.....) My theory is that a serious theif will be able to get what they want out of it, but it deters "sticky fingers" and people of opportunity. I feel better when we are gone and have to have people in the house that things are locked up. I like the fact that papers are safe. I keep the more valuable things insured, so all, in all, I feel ok with it.

I like the idea of a quick get away safe. I always think about what I would take if I had to get out quickly. I've come to the conclusion that most things are replaceable, and the most practical approach is to worry about short term needs (take that underwear with you!... along with a toothbrush...) and sentimentality.


ETA: I got distracted and hit submit after many more replies. Sorry it's old news.

and... Storm -- you sure seem smart about safes-- don't know if I wantto know why!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 9/30/2005 7:04:19 PM
Author: butterfly 17

I also like the idea of storing everything at the bank, I just don''t like the bank fees! And I don''t like the idea of not having easy accessibility to my stuff.


What are the usually bank fees for a safety deposit box anyway?

Low. I believe the smallest box they have is $30-$40 a YEAR. I am sure every bank is different. We get a free box because my DF is a "crown member" b/c he does so many mortgages through his bank so I am not positive on the price. We got the second to smallest and it is big enough to store paper flat which I like. Our bank gives us both keys so we can go into the vault (with the boxes) and out anytime alone during banking hours. I just think you NEED to have at least your home owners policy (insurance) out of your home. Like I mentioned before my DF had a house burn down. If he didn''t have the full policy in front of him it would have taken longer and been much more stressful. Also as the self proclaimed queen of tax write offs (hey, I am self-employed and get hit very hard with taxes) It is a tax write off!!!!! Yah!!!! Oh, wait, ours is free, yah for you!!!!