Has Sandy Stressed You Out?

I remember writing a blog about "Irene" last year.  This year, it's Sandy.  Storms give me the opportunity to write about something that most people would typically ignore.  Protecting your important paperwork and your Home Inventory.  Because, after all, it won't happen...right?  

As I stood outside WalMart on Friday collecting items for our Blue Star Mothers Christmas Packages to our troops, I was able to get a good perspective of the attitudes toward Sandy's awaited arrival.  It was obvious that there were just as many people that were prepared - as those who weren't. Stress levels were high simply because this was a financial burden on some people and the unexpected is always stressful.  You could read it on the faces of those who walked into the store. 

Without freaking you out even further, what are some other reasons that you  should consider getting more organized?  Stop worrying about your memories, important paperwork and other valuables getting ruined.  I had a cousin, in New Jersey, who lost all of her wedding pictures during "Irene" just last year.  These things can't be replaced and she was just sick.  The damage was irrepairable.  Once your paperwork is wet, it will easily be ruined and not everything has a backup.  Your life insurance policies, Will, Mortgage documentation...are just a few of the important documents that you should be able to grab and take out the door in an emergency. 

One other really important thing to consider is to have documentation of all of the valuable items in your home, i.e. a Home Inventory.  When you are tasked with the job of remembering what was in your home because you need to file an insurance claim, it can be difficult to remember just exactly what you can and should be claiming.  Even if it is something as simple as going through your home and taking a picture of everything, do it.  Of course, take this information and transfer it to another device.  Don't keep it all stored on your phone or camera.  Have a duplicate copy either on another electronic device or a flash drive.  I recommend using LeeLogic for the save storage of all of your valuable information. 

Some up front work to have everything organized will save you stress in the long haul and tons of money buying things that you just don't need.  Since I started my business in 2007, my moto has been "Don't Agonize - Organize".  I hope that you have some time to get just a little more prepared for future storms and that you are safe during "Sandy".  You can find out more ways to get organized on our website...www.organizationdirect.com