More and more people are turning to safety deposit boxes, as they offer an affordable way to safely store important documents and valuable items. Crime is on the rise, and even though one might have CCTV at home or even alarm system, what about fire? There are many reasons why it makes sense to rent a safety deposit box, and for those who are unfamiliar with this type of security, here are just a few of the items one can safely store in a safety deposit box.
- Important Documents – If you are a frequent flyer, perhaps it is best to keep your passport at home (in a safe place), but things like your birth certificate and land title deeds definitely belong, as they are rarely required, yet very important, as anyone who has lost their birth certificate will confirm. Stocks and bonds should also be included, as should any business or lease contracts, and you can use photocopies, leaving the original safely behind lock and key.
- Videotape your Home’s Contents – In the event you were burgled, or worse still, the house was burned to the ground, if you had a videotape (or VD) of the contents of your home, it would make it much easier dealing with the insurance company. Of course, no one wants to think of such a thing, but if you are a person who likes to cover for every eventuality, it wouldn’t take but an hour of your time, and then you would be sure to claim for all your personal possessions. If the worst does happen and your house is broken into, there is a useful article online that explains the correct procedure for the homeowner.
- Valuable Jewellery & Family Heir Looms – Very valuable jewellery would be scarcely worn, and anything of great sentimental value, such as grandfather’s pocket watch or your great grandmother’s letters, can all be safely kept in a safety deposit box.
- Anything of Great Personal Value – It could be an old wood carving, or a poem you wrote at high school, as long as it physically fits (and they have a wide range of sizes) then why not?
The Cost of a Safety Deposit Box
For the peace of mind it brings, even if you may have to pay a monthly or yearly fee, it is worth it, and if you reserved a safety deposit box in Sydney at Australasian Vaulting Industries or similar facilities, they are very reasonable and there isn’t a more secure way to keep your valuables. It is important to select a location that is convenient, which won’t cause you any inconvenience, should you wish to retrieve something.
Another important point is to consider what would happen if you were to die, which would leave the contents of the box in limbo, so to speak, and by consulting with your lawyer, you can provide power of attorney for a close family member, just in case.
In this uncertain world we live in, it makes sense to take precautions, and using a safety deposit box will ensure that your valuables are always there when you need them. It is worth the extra cost to have in your house.
