The home records worth keeping (and where)

Most households keep too much of the wrong paper and can't find the few documents that matter. This list covers what you'll actually need for a repair, an insurance claim, your taxes or a future sale.

Keep while you own the home (and a few years after)

• Closing documents, deed and title insurance policy
• Receipts and contracts for improvements (a new roof, an addition, a remodel)
• Permits and final inspection records
• Survey and plot plan
• Property tax statements

Keep while it's current

• Homeowners or renters insurance policy and declarations page
• Mortgage statements and escrow analysis
• Warranties and receipts for appliances and systems
• HOA documents and rules, if you have an HOA

Where to keep them

Use one place for originals (a fire-resistant box or a labeled binder) and one digital copy stored somewhere other than your house, such as an encrypted cloud folder. The digital copy is what helps when the originals are damaged in the same event you need them for.

General household organization information, not legal, tax or financial advice.