Get Organized Before Disaster Prep
Effective disaster prep is an extension of good organization, which might be why people find it so difficult to complete their disaster prep.
Who’s got enough executive function to keep their families alive AND play extracurricular organization games? You do, hopefully.
Here are some tips to get your personal documents organized before you start preparing, which should make the rest of your disaster prep feel like a walk in the park.
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Create your organizing plan
First off, make some time. You’re probably going to need a day to take this project from start to finish. Unless you have a system to maintain control over the items you’re organizing, don’t try to do this 20 minutes at a time over the course of a month, or you risk losing track of the important items you’ve gathered and very possibly losing your mind.
Get a shredder. If you don’t already have one, is it possible that lacking a shredder is the reason your documents are a mess in the first place? You deserve a shredder. Treat yourself.
Choose your organizational system. Fireproof file cabinets with folders are very popular and allow for expanding files. If you keep things tight, you might prefer a folder or smaller fireproof box. A combination could give you even more flexibility. Portable fireproof folders or boxes are great for saving your most important items in the event of an evacuation.
Gather all of your documents together. This will make it easier to determine categories for folders.
Attack the pile
Decide what you can get rid of and shred it. Consumer reports has a great article on what’s likely okay to toss.
Determine your categories. Store related documents together. Making a medical folder for each person in your home, a folder for each vehicle, a folder for each year’s taxes, a folder for home including repair records, mortgage, deed, and insurance is a great way to start. It’s always okay to make a folder that has a single document in it if that feels right, and you can revise your system later if you need to. Don’t stress.
Make a plan for adding new documents to your folders. You’re working on new things all the time; make sure you know how you’ll add new items, in case you need to include more folders. Make a plan to keep ongoing projects organized until it’s time to file them.
Back it up
Share your system, if applicable. If you want someone else to be able to reference your files in your absence, getting your (responsible) family members involved is a good choice. They don’t need to be experts; just make sure this trusted person knows how to access the files, what is in them, and when it might be important to use them.
Scan your documents. Scanning or taking photos of your most important documents gives you a digital record as a backup. Ensure that your digital versions are secure, encrypted, and password protected.
You’re on your way now! After you organize your documents, take the same energy into the rest of your home! Purge your home of fire hazards! You are an unstoppable force! Or you could take a well-deserved nap. You do you. When you’re ready, get started on your emergency preparations with our Disaster Playbook. We make the disaster prep process digestible and fun, so you can finish without having a mental breakdown.
A major piece of your disaster prep will be getting your most important papers ready for evacuation, so give yourself a hearty pat on the back for making that step easier. A very good job well done!
