One of the most vexing issues for seniors and their families during a move – particularly after decades in a home – is remembering where money, valuables and important paperwork are located.
But, finding stashed or rainy-day money and important documents (wills, deeds, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies and the like), as well as seldom-worn jewelry, is one of the first things people should do before they begin culling possessions and packing boxes – and certainly before they throw anything away!
Of course, the old saw is that the money is hidden in the mattress. Be aware that there are lots of other places it could also be!
Our team routinely finds money in unexpected places. People who grew up in the middle of the 20th century – before ATM cards, personal computers and cellphones – stashed money in the home as a matter of course. They wanted cash on hand, but tried to make sure thieves couldn’t find it!
My own mother, in fact, hid “mad money” in books, which is why our team always does a quick leaf through the pages of books when we are helping a senior move. We also recently found a very large sum of money stuffed in a shoe in the closet! Of course, these storage decisions made sense at the time, but as the years rolled on, no one remembered precisely where the money was.
We sometimes find critical documents in the back of dresser drawers, or in nightstands or kitchen cabinets, with one document in one place and another in a different place. We’ve found jewelry in coat pockets hanging in the closet. Some hangers have zipped storage compartments, so be sure to check those, too! In the end, it’s important that these treasures – whether they be documents, jewels or cash – get back to the senior (or designee), as we always make sure they do.
Below are some tips for seniors and their families who are beginning a decluttering, downsizing or relocation and want to find long-lost treasure.
Books: As I mentioned, this was my mother’s preferred hiding place. Bibles and favorite novels are a good place to start, but quickly page through all books. At one time, hollowed-out books were also popular for hiding jewelry and money, so you may find one of those on a bookshelf too, although I can’t say our team has run across that yet.
Kitchen: Coffee cans or other storage containers in the freezer often have money in them, instead of coffee or leftovers. Storage containers in the pantry can also be a good bet. Check underneath shelf paper and drawer liners as well.
Bathroom: Check toilet tanks for small, watertight containers, and search the back of vanity drawers.
Closets: Thoroughly check through any clothing items that are being donated (clothing, shoes, boots, etc.). There have been several news stories over the years of Goodwill finding money or a valuable piece of jewelry in a donated coat’s pocket. And remember, our team found money in a shoe.
Basements/Attics: These are the places that important items go to hide! Do not ignore a box that may be innocently labeled “Paperwork 2001,” or some such general header. Sometimes the deed to the house or the last valid will/trust is stored in that box. It’s tedious, for sure, but it’s worth looking through before the unimportant and/or expired paperwork goes to the shredder.
And – in the end – don’t forget to check the mattress!
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Stacey Himler is owner of Caring Transitions of Southern Delaware, the region’s professional solution for full relocation services including downsizing, decluttering and estate sales.
To ask Stacey questions, write her at AskStacey@caringtransitions.com.
