Top 7 Documents Everyone Should Have Organised (And Where to Store Them)

Jul 18, 2025

Lee-Anne Davids

Blue Flower
Blue Flower

Life comes with a lot of paperwork. And while we may not think about it every day, having the right documents organised and easy to find can make all the difference, especially in moments when time, clarity, and peace of mind matter most.

Whether you’re planning for the future, supporting loved ones, or just getting your life admin sorted, here are the seven essential documents everyone should have on hand and how Docaroo, a leading digital document management platform, makes storing, accessing, and sharing them simple and secure.

1. ID & Personal Identification Documents

These are the basics, but they're also the ones you're most likely to scramble for at the last minute.

What to include:

  • Passport

  • ID card or driver’s license

  • Birth certificate

Why it matters:
You’ll need these for travel, healthcare, job applications, banking, and more. They’re often the first documents required in an emergency.

Where to store them in Docaroo:
Use the Personal Pocket or Health Pocket in your cloud-based file storage, and tag them clearly, “Passport,” “Driver’s License,” etc. for fast, accurate search.

2. Health & Medical Records

Staying on top of your medical history can save time, money, and even lives.

What to include:

  • Medical aid or insurance cards

  • Vaccination records

  • Allergy or chronic illness documentation

  • Prescriptions

  • Medical Bills

Why it matters:
During a medical emergency, having access to your secure document portal can make healthcare safer and more efficient, not just for you, but for your loved ones too.

Where to store them in Docaroo:
Use the Health Pocket in your digital filing system, complete with document tags like “Medical Aid,” “Vaccinations,” or “Living Will.”

3. Financial Documents

Having your finances in order makes everything easier, from tax time to estate planning.

What to include:

  • Tax records

  • Bank statements

  • Investment account details

  • Loan or mortgage agreements

  • Retirement savings info

Why it matters:
These documents are often needed during major life events. Cloud document storage solutions like Docaroo provide fast access while keeping sensitive information protected.

Where to store them in Docaroo:
Use the Financial Pocket in your document organisation software and add searchable tags like “Bank Name,” “Tax Year,” or “Mortgage.”

4. Legal & Estate Planning Documents

Legacy planning isn’t just for later,  it’s about peace of mind right now.

What to include:

  • Your will

  • Power of attorney

  • Trust documents

  • Guardianship agreements

  • Legal contracts

Why it matters:
Without access to these documents, even well-prepared families can face legal delays and emotional strain. Secure document storage makes sharing easier when it matters most.

Where to store them in Docaroo:
Use the Estate Planning Pocket, built specifically for legacy tasks. It’s part of Docaroo’s online document organiser tailored for estate management.

5. Insurance Documents

Protection only works if you can prove you’re covered.

What to include:

  • Life, car, health, and home insurance policies

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Claims history

Why it matters:
Disasters don’t wait for you to find your paperwork. Document retention software like Docaroo ensures you can access what you need, even when time is tight.

Where to store them in Docaroo:
Use the Home or Financial Pocket. Tag them with “Insurance Policy,” “Claim,” or “Provider Name” for fast retrieval.

6. Property & Ownership Records

When things change, moving house, buying a car, selling a home, these files are critical.

What to include:

  • Title deeds

  • Lease agreements

  • Utility contracts

  • Vehicle registrations

  • Home repair invoices

Why it matters:
Ownership documents are vital for legal proof, resale value, and dispute resolution. A secure document repository helps you stay ready for whatever comes next.

Where to store them in Docaroo:
Use the Home Pocket, and tag files with categories like “Vehicle,” “Lease,” or “Deed.”

7. Family & Dependent Documents

Keep your household’s records in one safe, centralised location.

What to include:

  • Children’s birth certificates and ID

  • Marriage or divorce documents

  • School enrolments and reports

  • Pet adoption or vaccination records

Why it matters:
From travel planning to school admissions, these are the files you’ll need again and again, often with little notice.

Where to store them in Docaroo:
Use the Family Pocket and create Dependent Folders for each member. It’s the ideal personal document organiser for busy households.

Why You Should Start Now (Not “Someday”)

Let’s be honest, most of us put off document management until it’s urgent. That’s why Docaroo is built to make the process feel manageable, even enjoyable.

With built-in features like:

  • Pre-defined Smart Pockets

  • Tags for easy document categorisation

  • Encrypted document storage and two-factor authentication

  • A secure file sharing platform with password protection

  • Custom document renewal reminders

  • A friendly AI assistant to help keep you on track

Docaroo is more than document management software — it’s your digital safety net.

Planning Ahead = Peace of Mind

Whether you’re:

  • Moving house

  • Starting a family

  • Helping aging parents

  • Building your estate plan

The sooner you get these documents sorted, the more confident you’ll feel. With Docaroo, your cloud document management system is always just a click away.

No more frantic searching. No more missed deadlines. Just a smarter way to live.

Start Your Digital Filing Cabinet Today

Getting your most important documents in order doesn’t need to be stressful. Docaroo makes it easier with a platform that combines secure file access, cloud storage for documents, and smart document management features,  all in one place.

Your documents. Your rules.

Docaroo just makes it all easier.