A Love Letter (of a different sort)

If you are planning a move or trying to get your personal affairs in order, having your vital documents and personal information organized and readily available is a top priority.   It also happens to be the best gift you could ever give your family in the event of an emergency. It is the ultimate gift of telling your family you love them.  

A Checklist of Important Documents:

Bank and Financial Accounts

• Checking Accounts
• Savings Accounts
• Investment Accounts
• Stocks and Bonds
• Certificates of Deposit
• Safe Deposit Box
• Login information for online account management

Personal & Legal Documentation

• Birth & Death Certificates
• Marriage and Divorce paperwork
• School Records 
• Passports
• Social Security
• Citizenship paperwork
• Will
• Living Trust Documents
• Power of Attorney
• Advanced Directive
• Health Care Directive
• Trusts (if applicable)

Home Mortgage or Loans

• Mortgage Loan and Company
• Automobile loans
• Line of Credit

Credit Cards

• Card information and account number
• Login information for online account management

Insurance Policies

• Primary Health Insurance
• Supplemental Medical Insurance
• Long-term Care Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Funeral/Cremation
• Home Insurance
• Auto Insurance

Retirement and Benefit Plans

• Profit Sharing/Pension Plans
• 401K Plans
• IRA Accounts
• Military Benefits 
• Social Security Information

Deeds or Titles to Any Property

• Real Estate
• Motor Vehicles and Boats

Important Contacts

• Names and contact information for important people
  • Attorneys, Physicians, Family, Neighbors, Veterinarian

Other Important Things:

• Appraisals and Inventory Lists
• Pet Care Instructions
• Keys for home, auto and other properties or storage units
• Safe combination
• Password and Log-In Information and list of Websites

Christy Urdal is owner of NextStep Transitions, LLC and a relocation and home transition specialist in the greater Seattle area.  NextStep helps people with downsizing, move management and getting their homes ready for the market, and many other home related services.