If you’re a homeowner, it can feel like you’re drowning in a sea of paperwork — and when you really need that one crucial document, it’s often the one you can’t find.
Keeping everything “just in case” isn’t the answer either. Most of us are short on space, and a mountain of paper stuffed in drawers or lofts only leads to headaches later on.
So, here are the 10 most important documents every homeowner should keep, why they matter, and how to store them securely and digitally — so you can say goodbye to paperwork panic.
Our top 10 details every homeowner should keep safe:
1. Home Inventory and Photos
If you ever face a fire, flood, or theft, a good home inventory (with photos) can make all the difference when claiming on insurance.
✅ What to include: Serial numbers, receipts, clear images
💡 Top tip: Store everything online so it’s accessible even if your home PC is lost
2. Planning Permissions and Building Regs Approvals
Had an extension, a loft conversion, or removed a load-bearing wall? You’ll need proof it was done properly and legally – especially if you ever sell.
⚠️ Why it matters: Missing docs can delay sales or invalidate insurance
💡 Get a copy: Ask your builder or council, and store it in the cloud
3. Title Deeds / Proof of Ownership
Even though modern properties are registered online, your title deeds still include boundary details, shared access rights, and legal responsibilities – all vital if you have a dispute with a neighbour.
🔍 Where to find it: Ask your Solicitor or download via the Land Registry
💾 How to store: Online for registered titles; in secure storage for original unregistered paper deeds
4. Warranties & Guarantees (Windows, Roof, Damp Proofing, etc.)
Big-ticket repairs like windows, doors, damp treatment, or roofing usually come with guarantees – and losing them could cost you hundreds.
✅ Don’t forget: FENSA or CERTASS certificates for windows. You’ll need them when you sell.
💡 Store: Digitally scan and back them up — paper fades and disappears
5. Boiler Service Records
Your boiler is one of the most expensive and essential bits of kit in your home. Regular servicing protects your warranty and shows future buyers it’s been well maintained.
🔧 Use a Gas Safe engineer
💾 Store records: Digitally — you’ll need them if things go wrong
6. Building Insurance Policy
If the roof caves in or a tree crashes through your conservatory, your insurance policy is your safety net.
✅ What to keep: Provider name, policy number, cover summary, renewal date
💡 Store: Digitally and set calendar reminders for renewal dates
7. Appliance Manuals & Receipts
A smart oven or fridge might be clever — but it’s not so clever when it starts beeping at you for no reason. Manuals and receipts help you fix issues and claim on warranties.
📎 Trick: Most manuals can be downloaded online — ditch the bulky paper
🗂️ Organise: Store by room or device in dedicated online systems like Life Possum
8. Septic Tank or Private Drainage Information
If your home isn’t connected to mains drainage, you’re legally required to prove that your drainage is environmentally compliant; this is especially important when selling.
⚠️ Keep: Servicing logs, registration paperwork, emptying schedules
💾 Store: In a dedicated system such as Life Possum
9. Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)
Protected trees can’t be pruned or removed without council permission — and doing so without paperwork can lead to hefty fines.
✅ Where to get it: Your local authority planning portal
💡 Store: Download and keep a backup in your cloud-based home records
10. Chimney & Fireplace Service Records
Wood burners and open fires need annual chimney sweeping — and proof of that helps validate insurance and reassure buyers.
🔥 Keep: Certificates or service logs
💾 Store: With your appliance or maintenance files online (Tools such as Life Possum helps you to store docs and information directly against your appliance)
Why Digital Storage is a Must
Many of these documents are hard (or impossible) to replace if lost. And relying on paper copies means you’re at the mercy of fire, flood, theft, or a dodgy hard drive.
Instead, store your documents securely in the cloud using tools like Life Possum – designed specifically for homeowners. You’ll be able to:
- Access records from any device
- Organise everything by property, room, or document type
Final Thought
Your home is likely your biggest financial asset – and these documents are your protection against unexpected bills, legal headaches, or sales delays. Loss through theft, fire or flood or simply through carelessness can cause major issues down the road.
💡It only takes an hour or two to scan and upload everything – but it could save you weeks of stress and thousands of pounds. Take a look here to discover our suggested guide to Getting Started with Life Possum