Household records and documents
Owning and maintaining a home is a complex operation that can take as much effort and organizational skill as operating a small business. Running a home efficiently can mean big savings when household expenses such as repair costs, utility bills, large appliance purchases, insurance premiums and maintenance services start adding up. As any business owner knows, developing an effective record keeping and information storage system is paramount in the effort to maintain an efficient operation and control expenses. The same can be said for running a home.
Alice advises her clients on the importance of organizing a file of important household documents and supporting papers, as well as lists of important names and phone numbers. She suggests keeping the file in a fireproof box or file cabinet and reviewing and updating the information at least twice a year.
- Warranties and service agreements - It’s especially important to maintain good records of sales receipts and extended warranties on costly products and appliances. Agreements are usually voided when the owner can’t provide proper documentation.
- Owner’s manuals - Keeping a comprehensive file of operator’s manuals for all the household electronics, appliances, and power tools in one easily accessible location can save time and headaches when something goes wrong. Quickly referring to the owner’s manual might save an unnecessary and expensive call to the repairman when you realize that the computer monitor has gone black, not because it’s broken, but because it’s installed with an automatic energy saver.
- Records of repairs and maintenance - Always record the last time you had repair or maintenance service performed so you’ll know when it’s time for follow-up service. Keep tabs on such things as a termite inspection and treatment, furnace inspection and maintenance, chimney and ductwork cleaning, and deck and driveway sealing treatments. Also keep a dated list of seasonal chores such as smoke detector battery replacement, filter replacement, and caulk and weather stripping repair.
- Insurance papers - When the accident or disaster occurs, it’s not a good time to be caught without the proper information to deal quickly with the situation. Keeping your policy, agent’s contact information and your household inventory records in one place will save time and alleviate anxiety when it comes to filing claims.
- Vendors - Contractors, plumbers, electricians, tree maintenance services, yardmen, repairmen: keep a list of people who have been recommended by friends and family or who have performed exceptional service for you in the past. Include names, telephone numbers and comments for quick reference. Also maintain a hotline list of emergency numbers, such as utility company troubleshooters, poison control, veterinarians, etc.
- Mortgage papers, title, deed, seurvey - For easy access, keep all these important documents in one location in case questions of ownership, mortgage payments or property lines should arise unexpectedly.
*#169 Alice Dahlgren's AtHome Newsletter
