Purchase an airtight waterproof bag or container for documents that will protect from water damage, mildew, humidity, rodents, insects or other potential damage. Size will determine the cost so make sure your waterproof bag or container is big enough but not more than you need.
Purchase a fireproof safe or lockbox. Home safes come in a variety of styles and sizes. They can range in price from quite inexpensive ($30 to $50) to very expensive, up to almost $1,000.
Place all of your important documents in the container, such as your will, trust, end-of-life care, legal documents, insurance policies, financial records, birth certificates and other records. Place the airtight waterproof bag in the fireproof safe.
Tell the executor or personal representative of your estate the location of the documents. Also tell a family member or trusted friend who lives near you where your will and trusts are located. Be sure to give the combination or extra key to the safe to your personal representative and/or family member.
Keep a copy of your will and trust in your home files for easy reference and review.
Provide readily available instructions regarding access to the original will. Make a note on the copies of your will stating the location of the originals.