7 Things Everyone Forgets to Save

In our current, highly digitalized era, the emphasis on saving both tangible and intangible items has never been more pronounced. However, with our fast-paced lifestyles and the overwhelming number of daily tasks we juggle, there are always those things everyone forgets to safeguard. Recognizing and prioritizing these often-overlooked items is crucial, both for preserving memories and for practical reasons.

1. Digital Photos and Videos

Consider this: every single day, smartphones worldwide capture billions of snapshots and video clips. These moments, from a child’s innocent laughter to an awe-inspiring landscape during a trip, are irreplaceable memories. Yet, one of the things everyone forgets is the vulnerability of these digital keepsakes. A single malfunctioning smartphone, accidental deletions, or unforeseen incidents like water damage can make these cherished memories disappear in the blink of an eye.

Backing up your photos and videos to cloud services is a proactive measure many undertake, and rightly so. The cloud offers ease of access and typically boasts extensive storage. External hard drives or SSDs are another reliable storage option, offering large capacities and, in many cases, added data protection features. On the other hand, opting for physical prints, though seemingly old-fashioned, provides a tangible safeguard. In fact, printed photo albums can also serve as beautiful, nostalgic reminders of bygone days.

2. Important Emails and Correspondences

In the expansive realm of electronic mails and online messaging, it’s a challenge to keep track of every important communication. From essential business emails to personal notes that warm our hearts, to e-tickets and digital receipts, the inbox is a goldmine of information. Yet, it’s one of the things everyone forgets to manage efficiently.

Regularly archiving or backing up vital emails can save you from many future headaches. Services like Google Drive or Dropbox are commonly used for this purpose. Additionally, creating folders and labeling mechanisms in your email can keep critical emails within easy reach. It’s all about making these emails stand out amidst the deluge.

3. Receipts for Big Purchases or Warranties

Imagine splurging on an expensive gadget or piece of furniture only to discover a defect. Your first thought is to return or exchange it. But where’s that receipt? Often, keeping track of purchase receipts, especially for warranty claims, is among the things everyone forgets.

Nowadays, several mobile applications specialize in digitizing and organizing these receipts. By simply taking a photo, these apps can store the date, amount, and other essential details, ensuring they are at your fingertips when needed. If you’re more traditional, having a dedicated folder or envelope at home, categorized by month or type of purchase, can be an equally effective system.

4. Personal Records and Documents

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our lives, critical personal records such as medical histories, academic achievements, certificates, and other crucial legal documents often get relegated to the back burner. They are among the paramount items everyone forgets to keep safe.

While having original hard copies is non-negotiable, creating digital backups can be a lifesaver. Consider using password-protected files or encrypted storage solutions for sensitive documents. Regularly revisiting and updating these files can also ensure you’re always prepared, be it for job applications, medical emergencies, or academic pursuits.

5. Memories in Physical Form

In our digitized world, it’s easy to overlook the tangible memories we accumulate: handwritten letters, postcards, your child’s arts and crafts, or even a ticket stub from a memorable event. Such mementos, laden with sentiment, are sadly things everyone forgets to protect.

Dedicate time to create a scrapbooking project, turning these physical memories into beautiful compilations that you can revisit anytime. Alternatively, consider digital archiving. High-resolution scanners can transform these into digital files, ensuring their preservation. For those more inclined towards physical storage, dedicated memory boxes or chests can serve as treasure troves of nostalgia.

6. Digital Work or Projects

Digital creators, be they writers, graphic designers, coders, or artists, pour countless hours into their projects. Yet, amidst tight deadlines and multiple iterations, one of the things everyone forgets is to backup iterations and final versions adequately.

The anguish of losing days, or even weeks, of work due to unforeseen data losses is unimaginable. Multiple backup solutions, such as cloud storage, external drives, and even periodic email backups, can ensure that your hard work remains safe. Regularly updating and checking these backups can also help in quick retrievals or revisions.

7. Contacts and Network Information

Networking, both professionally and personally, has been integral to our society’s fabric. The array of contacts, be it vital business collaborators, friends, service providers, or acquaintances, is one of those things everyone forgets to backup.

Syncing contacts across multiple devices and platforms ensures you’re never left scrambling. Regularly exporting your contact list and saving it in multiple locations can also be beneficial. Remember, your network is your net worth. Protecting it should be a priority.

Our world, intertwined with tangible memories and digital assets, requires us to be vigilant custodians. These things everyone forgets may seem trivial until their absence creates a void or causes inconvenience. As we continue to evolve in this digital age, taking a moment to ensure the safety of these overlooked items is not just recommended but imperative.