Enrique Memije Galvan

Your Go-Bag Checklist: What to Pack for an Evacuation

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Your Go-Bag Checklist: What to Pack for an Evacuation - MyStash AI

Your Go-Bag Checklist: What to Pack for an Evacuation

Prepare Now—Because When It’s Time to Go, You Won’t Have Time to Think

Wildfires. Hurricanes. Earthquakes. Chemical spills. When disaster strikes, evacuation orders can come with little to no warning. In those moments, panic is your worst enemy—and preparation is your greatest ally.

Having a well-stocked go-bag (also called a bug-out bag or emergency kit) can mean the difference between chaos and control. It ensures you have the essentials to stay safe, healthy, and connected for at least 72 hours.

At MyStash, we believe in helping you protect your life—and your lifestyle. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate go-bag checklist and give you a way to securely store copies of your most important documents digitally, so you can access them even if your home is gone.

The Essential Go-Bag Checklist

Pack your go-bag in a sturdy backpack or duffel bag and store it somewhere easily accessible—near the front door, in your car, or in a garage cabinet. One bag per person is ideal.

🧾 Personal Documents

  • Copies of ID (driver’s license, passport)
  • Insurance documents (home, health, auto)
  • Bank and credit card info
  • Property deed or lease agreement
  • Emergency contact list

💡 Use MyStash to digitize and encrypt these so they’re always at your fingertips.

🩹 First Aid & Health Supplies

  • Basic first aid kit
  • Prescription medications (7-day supply)
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Face masks and hand sanitizer

🛠️ Survival Tools & Supplies

  • Flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
  • Phone charger + portable power bank
  • Emergency whistle
  • Duct tape, zip ties

🥫 Food & Water

  • Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable snacks (energy bars, dried fruit, canned goods)
  • Manual can opener
  • Electrolyte tablets or powder

🧥 Clothing & Comfort

  • Extra clothes and underwear
  • Warm jacket and hat
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Blanket or emergency sleeping bag

🧸 Kids, Pets & Extras

  • Diapers, formula, toys
  • Pet food, leash, copies of vaccination records
  • Cash in small bills
  • Notepad and pen

MyStash: Your Digital Backup to the Go-Bag

If disaster takes your home, it may also take the records and receipts you need to file an insurance claim, prove ownership, or start over. MyStash protects what paper can’t:

  • Scan and store your IDs, policies, and emergency contacts
  • Digitally inventory your belongings with photos and values
  • Access from any device, anytime—even if you’re evacuated
  • Share securely with insurers and loved ones

Evacuations Are Increasing. So Should Your Readiness.

You may only have 10 minutes to leave. Will you be ready?

👉 Start Your Free MyStash Account

Pair your go-bag with a digital backup of everything that matters.

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

Start your free, no-risk home inventory today. Be prepared for tomorrow.

Google Play App Store

Video: How to Use MyStash AI to Catalog Valuables

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Video: How to Use MyStash AI to Catalog Valuables

Video: How to Use MyStash AI to Catalog Valuables

A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Jewelry, Art, and High-Value Items Before It’s Too Late

When it comes to protecting your most valuable belongings, documentation is everything. Whether you own a diamond ring, a signed painting, or a vintage watch collection, you need more than just a memory—you need proof. That’s where MyStash AI comes in.

Our latest video tutorial walks you through exactly how to use MyStash’s powerful AI tools to create a secure, detailed catalog of your high-value items in just minutes.

🎥 Watch: How to Catalog Valuables with MyStash

Video Thumbnail

Duration: 3 minutes

Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

In this short tutorial, you'll learn how to:

  • Photograph and upload images of your item
  • Let MyStash AI generate a description and estimated value
  • Add supporting documents (receipts, appraisals, certificates)
  • Assign tags for easy filtering and reporting
  • Export your catalog for insurance or estate planning

Why This Matters: High-Value Items Are High Risk

Jewelry, fine art, collectibles, and luxury goods are some of the most difficult items to replace—and the hardest to get reimbursed for after a disaster or theft. If you don’t have detailed records, many insurers will only offer partial compensation.

Without proof, value is just a guess. With MyStash AI, it’s a verified, time-stamped, and shareable record.

Use Cases Beyond Insurance

Cataloging your high-value items isn’t just for disaster recovery. Our users also rely on MyStash for:

  • Estate planning: Ensure heirs know what’s valuable and where to find it
  • Home inventory audits: Keep track of what you own over time
  • Moving or relocation: Document fragile or irreplaceable items
  • Asset tracking for collections: Manage art, watches, wine, or rare books

Built for Speed, Accuracy, and Security

We designed MyStash AI to be powerful and intuitive.

You don’t need spreadsheets, complicated forms, or third-party appraisers.

Just snap a photo, and our AI will:

  • Identify the item
  • Estimate market and replacement value
  • Organize it into your secure inventory
  • Keep it accessible—even in emergencies

Get Started Now

Don’t wait for a theft, flood, or fire to realize what you forgot to document.

👉 Create Your Free Inventory

📹 Watch the Tutorial

Your valuables deserve more than guesswork. Give them the protection of proof.

Google Play App Store

Understanding Riders and Endorsements on Your Home Policy

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Understanding Riders and Endorsements on Your Home Policy - MyStash AI

Understanding Riders and Endorsements on Your Home Policy

Is Your Standard Insurance Enough? Discover How to Protect What Matters Most

Most homeowners assume their insurance policy has them fully covered. Unfortunately, many don’t realize until after a disaster, theft, or accident that their standard policy leaves critical gaps—especially when it comes to high-value items like jewelry, collectibles, fine art, or business equipment.

The solution? Riders and endorsements—custom policy add-ons that provide essential extra protection where it matters most. Understanding these tools could mean the difference between a full payout or a financial setback.

At MyStash, we help you take inventory of your assets and match them with the right coverage—so nothing slips through the cracks.

What Are Riders and Endorsements?

In simple terms, riders (also called endorsements) are optional add-ons to your home insurance policy. They adjust or expand your coverage for specific items or risks that aren’t fully protected under your base policy.

Think of them as plug-ins for your policy—custom coverage for what standard insurance often excludes or limits.

When You Need a Rider or Endorsement

Here are common scenarios where a rider is not just smart—it’s critical:

  • 💍 High-Value Personal Property
    Jewelry, engagement rings, watches
    Fine art, antiques, rare collectibles
    Most standard policies cap jewelry coverage at around $1,500.
  • 💻 Home-Based Business Equipment
    Cameras, computers, tools used for freelance or business activity
    Without a rider, business-use equipment may not be covered at all.
  • 🏠 Natural Disaster Add-Ons
    Earthquake or flood insurance
    Often excluded entirely from standard home policies and require separate riders.
  • 🐕 Liability Coverage for Pets or Pools
    Dog breeds, trampolines, or backyard pools may increase liability risk
    A liability endorsement can protect you from lawsuits or medical claims.

How MyStash Makes It Easy to Match Coverage to Value

Insurers require documentation to approve and price riders. That’s where MyStash becomes your trusted partner:

  • Create detailed, time-stamped inventories of high-value items
  • Add receipts, appraisals, and certificates of authenticity
  • Get AI-generated value estimates to help you assess risk
  • Export reports to streamline conversations with your agent
  • Store everything securely in the cloud—accessible from any device

Don’t Leave Your Most Valuable Items Underinsured

Most homeowners don’t realize they’re underinsured until they try to file a claim. Riders and endorsements exist to fill those gaps—but they only work if you know what you own and how much it’s worth.

Start with documentation. Then talk coverage.

Protect What Matters. Upgrade Your Coverage Confidence.

👉 Get Started with MyStash for Free

Know what you own. Prove what it's worth.

Then make sure your policy matches your reality.

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

Start your free, no-risk home inventory today. Be prepared for tomorrow.

Google Play App Store

How to Create a Defensible Space Against Wildfires

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How to Create a Defensible Space Against Wildfires - MyStash AI

How to Create a Defensible Space Against Wildfires

Protect Your Home and Belongings from the Growing Threat of Wildfires

As wildfires grow more frequent and more destructive across the globe, the question is no longer if—but when. From California to the Mediterranean, rural communities and even suburban neighborhoods are facing an escalating risk. If you’re a homeowner, property manager, or renter, now is the time to take proactive steps.

One of the most effective and often overlooked strategies is creating a defensible space—a carefully maintained buffer zone around your property that dramatically increases your chances of surviving a wildfire. But physical protection isn’t enough. You also need to protect the value inside your home. That’s where MyStash comes in.

What Is a Defensible Space?

A defensible space is a zone between your home and the surrounding vegetation that’s cleared or modified to reduce fire intensity. This buffer gives firefighters a safer area to work and helps prevent the fire from reaching your home in the first place.

Think of it as your home’s first line of defense—and one that can mean the difference between total loss and total protection.

3 Zones That Can Save Your Property

Fire experts recommend structuring your defensible space into three key zones:

  • Zone 1: Immediate Zone (0–5 feet from buildings)

    • Remove dead plants, leaves, and pine needles regularly.
    • Avoid flammable mulch; use gravel or stone instead.
    • Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away.
    • Use fire-resistant building materials and ember-resistant vents.

  • Zone 2: Intermediate Zone (5–30 feet)

    • Keep lawns mowed and well-watered.
    • Trim tree branches to keep them 10 feet from other trees.
    • Create breaks in vegetation to slow the fire’s spread.

  • Zone 3: Extended Zone (30–100 feet)

    • Thin vegetation and remove small trees or shrubs.
    • Space trees to prevent crown fires.
    • Eliminate ladder fuels—plants that let fire climb from ground to treetop.

Don’t Just Defend. Document.

Even with the best defensible space, no property is 100% fireproof. That’s why documenting your possessions before disaster strikes is essential.

MyStash is your personal property inventory app, designed to help you:

  • Instantly catalog your belongings with photos and AI-powered valuations
  • Create a secure, shareable inventory for insurance claims
  • Store essential documents like deeds, IDs, and warranties in one place
  • Access everything from your phone—even after an evacuation

Why MyStash?

In the chaos after a wildfire, insurance adjusters will ask: What did you lose? If you don’t have a documented inventory, your payout could be delayed or reduced. MyStash helps you answer that question with clarity, proof, and peace of mind.

We’ve helped thousands of users protect their assets in the face of disaster. Whether you're in wildfire country or just want to be prepared for anything, MyStash is the smartest way to protect what you own.

Act Before the Ember Falls

You can’t predict the next wildfire—but you can prepare for it.

Start creating your defensible space today. Then protect everything inside it with MyStash.

👉 Get Started for Free

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Make your home wildfire-ready, and make your assets MyStash-secure.

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

Start your free, no-risk home inventory today. Be prepared for tomorrow.

Google Play App Store

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: What’s the Difference?

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Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost - MyStash AI

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: What's the Difference?

Understand Your Insurance Policy Before It’s Too Late

In the aftermath of a disaster—whether it’s a fire, flood, or theft—the difference between being partially reimbursed or fully made whole often comes down to a single detail in your insurance policy: how your belongings are valued.

Two terms dominate the fine print of most homeowners and renters policies: Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV). And while they may sound similar, the gap between them can cost you thousands. Understanding this difference isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

At MyStash, we help you inventory your assets and empower you to make informed insurance decisions that protect their full value.

What Is Actual Cash Value (ACV)?

Actual Cash Value is the amount your items are worth today, after depreciation. In simple terms, it’s what you’d get for your 5-year-old laptop or couch on the secondhand market—not what it would cost to replace them with new versions.

Example:

  • You bought a TV for $1,500 five years ago.
  • Depreciation knocks its value down to $500.
  • Your insurer pays $500—not enough to buy a similar new one.

What Is Replacement Cost Value (RCV)?

Replacement Cost Value covers the full cost to replace your lost or damaged item with a new one of similar kind and quality—no depreciation deducted.

Example:

  • That same $1,500 TV gets destroyed.
  • With RCV coverage, your insurer gives you the funds to buy a new $1,500 TV today.
  • You’re made whole.

Why This Matters: Your Financial Recovery Depends on It

Imagine losing your home in a wildfire. Every item—furniture, electronics, appliances—must be replaced. If your policy pays only Actual Cash Value, your payout could fall tens of thousands of dollars short.

If you don’t know what coverage you have today, you’re gambling with your future.

How MyStash Helps You Take Control

Insurance companies require proof of ownership and value. With MyStash, you can:

  • Easily document your belongings with photos and descriptions
  • Get AI-powered estimates of current market value and replacement cost
  • Store receipts and warranties for high-value items
  • Create a secure, digital inventory accessible from anywhere—even post-disaster
  • Export detailed reports to support faster, fuller insurance claims

Upgrade Your Coverage Strategy

When you combine a complete MyStash inventory with a replacement cost policy, you’re not just insured—you’re empowered. Our users report faster payouts, fewer disputes, and greater peace of mind in times of crisis.

Don’t wait for a disaster to find out your insurance wasn’t enough.

Take Action Now

  • Review your insurance policy.
  • Look for language like “Actual Cash Value” or “Replacement Cost Value.”
  • Not sure? Call your agent.

Then, protect your coverage with a MyStash inventory.

👉 Start Your Free Inventory Today

Because understanding your coverage is the first step.

Documenting it is the next.

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

Start your free, no-risk home inventory today. Be prepared for tomorrow.

Google Play App Store

5 Smart Home Devices That Can Help Prevent Disasters

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5 Smart Home Devices That Can Help Prevent Disasters - MyStash AI

5 Smart Home Devices That Can Help Prevent Disasters

Turn Your Home Into a Safer, Smarter Shield

Technology isn’t just about convenience anymore—it’s a frontline defense against household disasters. Every year, thousands of homes suffer preventable damage from fires, floods, gas leaks, and break-ins. The good news? Smart home devices are getting better, faster, and more affordable.

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or property manager, these tools can save you time, money, and heartbreak. But even the smartest devices can’t restore what you’ve lost. That’s why pairing them with a secure digital inventory from MyStash gives you the full circle of protection: **prevention + documentation.**

1. 🛑 Smart Smoke & CO Detectors

Traditional smoke detectors save lives. Smart detectors take it further—with instant alerts to your phone, voice notifications, and integration with other smart devices.

Top Picks: Nest Protect, First Alert Onelink

Why it matters: Early detection of smoke or carbon monoxide can help you stop a small incident from becoming a total loss.

2. 💧 Smart Water Leak Sensors

Hidden leaks and burst pipes can cost homeowners tens of thousands in water damage. Smart sensors detect moisture and send instant alerts, so you can act before it's too late. Some even shut off your water automatically.

Top Picks: Flo by Moen, Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector

Why it matters: Water damage is one of the most common and expensive home insurance claims.

3. 🔒 Smart Security Systems

From motion sensors and smart locks to AI-powered cameras, modern home security systems deter break-ins and keep you in control from anywhere.

Top Picks: Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe, Arlo Security Cameras

Why it matters: A burglary takes just minutes—but recovering losses without documentation can take months.

4. ⚡ Smart Outlets & Electrical Monitors

These devices help prevent electrical fires by monitoring energy usage and allowing you to turn off appliances remotely. Some models even detect overheating or power surges.

Top Picks: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, Sense Home Energy Monitor

Why it matters: Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of residential fires—and one of the easiest to prevent.

5. 🌪️ Smart Weather Sensors & Alarms

Receive hyper-local weather alerts, monitor air quality, or integrate with home systems to shut windows and blinds automatically.

Top Picks: Netatmo Weather Station, Ambient Weather WS-5000

Why it matters: Wildfires, storms, and high winds are becoming more frequent. Early alerts give you time to act.

Technology + Documentation = Total Protection

No matter how smart your home is, it can’t recover your belongings after a disaster. That’s where MyStash comes in:

  • Instantly document valuables with photos and AI
  • Store receipts, warranties, and serial numbers
  • Create a secure inventory you can access from anywhere
  • Share with your insurer for faster claims and full reimbursements

Don't Just React—Prepare Proactively

Smart devices help you act fast. MyStash helps you recover faster. Together, they give you a modern plan for real-world risks.

👉 Start Your Free Inventory Today

Make your home disaster-ready—from sensors to secured assets.

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

Start your free, no-risk home inventory today. Be prepared for tomorrow.

Google Play App Store

The Ultimate Home Inventory Checklist

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The Ultimate Home Inventory Checklist for Insurance Claims - MyStash AI

The Ultimate Home Inventory Checklist for Insurance Claims

A room-by-room guide to documenting your belongings for maximum coverage

Bonus: Download your free printable PDF checklist at the end

Why You Need a Home Inventory — Before You Need One

If disaster struck tomorrow — a fire, flood, or break-in — could you list every valuable item in your home from memory?

Most people can’t. That’s why thousands of insurance claims fall short each year.

  • Prove what you owned
  • Speed up the claims process
  • Maximize your insurance payout
  • Feel confident that you're prepared

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or landlord, having a digital and physical record of your belongings is one of the smartest (and easiest) ways to protect your assets.

What to Include in Your Home Inventory

A strong home inventory should capture:

  • Item name & description
  • Brand/model/serial number (if available)
  • Estimated value or original purchase price
  • Photos or videos
  • Receipts or proof of purchase (optional, but useful)
  • Location in your home

Pro Tip: Use an app like MyStash to organize, store, and protect your inventory in the cloud. Backed-up. Shareable. Always ready.

Room-by-Room Home Inventory Checklist

We recommend starting small: tackle one room at a time. Set a 15-minute timer and focus on what’s visible. You can always go deeper later.

🛋️ Living Room / Family Room

  • Sofa, chairs, recliners
  • Coffee and side tables
  • Lamps and lighting fixtures
  • Rugs or carpets
  • Bookshelves and decor
  • Electronics: TVs, sound systems, game consoles
  • Art, framed photos, collectibles

🍽️ Kitchen / Dining Room

  • Dining table and chairs
  • Major appliances: fridge, oven, dishwasher
  • Small appliances: blender, toaster, air fryer
  • Cookware and utensils
  • Dishes, glassware, and silverware
  • Pantry staples and wine collection (yes, they count!)

🛏️ Bedrooms

  • Bedframe, mattress, box spring
  • Dresser, nightstands, closet contents
  • Jewelry and accessories
  • Designer clothing or high-end items
  • Electronics: TVs, laptops, smart devices

🛁 Bathrooms

  • Towels and linens
  • Hair tools (dryer, curler, straightener)
  • Skincare, grooming kits
  • Prescription items or medical devices

💼 Office / Studio

  • Desk, chair, bookshelves
  • Laptop, printer, monitor, routers
  • Cameras, microphones, recording equipment
  • Software licenses or subscriptions
  • Business inventory (if working from home)

🧸 Kids’ Rooms & Nursery

  • Crib, changing table, playpen
  • Toys, books, learning tools
  • Stroller, car seat
  • Baby monitors, tech gear

🛠️ Garage / Storage / Basement

  • Power tools, lawn equipment
  • Bikes, scooters, sports gear
  • Camping or travel gear
  • Holiday decorations
  • Stored collectibles or memorabilia

📦 Miscellaneous

  • Safe contents
  • Firearms (if applicable)
  • Luggage
  • Musical instruments
  • Pet supplies or specialty equipment

How Often Should You Update Your Home Inventory?

We recommend reviewing and updating your inventory:

  • Once a year (mark your calendar 📅)
  • After big purchases
  • Before renewing or changing your insurance policy
  • After a move or remodel

Want to Make This Easier?

We’ve built a simple, secure tool to help:

Download the Free PDF Checklist

Perfect for printing or scanning with your phone as you go room by room. Or go digital with MyStash — our app lets you snap, store, and organize everything in minutes. Plus, you can export your inventory for your insurer with one tap.

Final Tip: Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call

Fires. Floods. Earthquakes. Burglaries. We never expect them — but when they happen, the difference between frustration and recovery is often preparation.

Start small, but start today.

Your future self will thank you.

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

Start your free, no-risk home inventory today. Be prepared for tomorrow.

Google Play App Store