A well-organized household record keeping system includes keeping certain important records stored in a safe deposit box at a bank or credit union. Safe deposit box storage is recommended for records or items that have high monetary value or would be difficult or expensive to replace.

Items that should be stored in a safe deposit box include certificates of ownership. This includes financial documents like stocks and bonds, CD's, IRA account documents, and purchase or sale receipts for investments. Other ownership records to include would be titles or deeds to property, and home ownership papers. Patents and copyrights need safe storage, too.

A complete household inventory and supporting evidence such as receipts, photographs, bills of sale, and appraisals kept in a safe deposit box will be particularly helpful if you have a fire, theft or other natural disaster insurance claim. It's important to update this information at least annually.

Personal records need safe storage. This includes: adoption and citizenship papers, baptism, birth, marriage and death certificates, divorce decree papers, military service discharge papers, and passports. You may also want to include the negatives from important family photos.

Various lists need to be kept safe. These include a list of financial advisors, insurance policies, the location of important papers, and social security numbers.