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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
Emergency Preparedness

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.

72-Hour Readiness

A well-packed go-bag helps you stay safe, organized, and mobile when evacuation orders come with little warning.

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 helps ensure 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 created this go-bag checklist, along with a way to securely store copies of your most important documents digitally, so you can still 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
Tip: 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 and portable power bank
  • Emergency whistle
  • Duct tape and zip ties

Food & Water

  • Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable snacks and shelf-stable foods
  • 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, and comfort items
  • Pet food, leash, and vaccination records
  • Cash in small bills
  • Notepad and pen
Digital Backup

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 IDs, policies, and emergency contacts
Digitally inventory belongings with photos and values
Access everything from any device, anytime
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.

Preparation is not just about what you carry. It is also about what you can still access when life gets disrupted.

Be ready before you need it

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

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

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Video: How to Use MyStash AI to Catalog Valuables

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Video: How to Use MyStash AI to Catalog Valuables
Video Tutorial

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.

High-Value Protection

Learn how to create a secure, detailed catalog of valuables in just minutes using MyStash AI.

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 memory — you need proof. That’s where MyStash AI comes in.

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

Featured Tutorial

Watch: How to Catalog Valuables with MyStash

This short walkthrough shows how to document, organize, and protect high-value belongings with better speed, clarity, and backup.

Duration 3 minutes
Skill level Beginner-friendly
Video Thumbnail
Video coming soon

In This 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 like receipts, appraisals, and certificates
  • Assign tags for easier 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 hardest items to replace and some of the hardest to get fully reimbursed after theft or disaster. Without detailed records, many insurers can only offer partial compensation.

Without proof, value becomes guesswork. With MyStash AI, it becomes a verified, time-stamped, and shareable record.

Use Cases Beyond Insurance

Cataloging high-value items is not only useful for disaster recovery. Many users also rely on MyStash for:

Estate Planning

Ensure heirs understand what is valuable and where it is documented.

Home Inventory Audits

Track what you own over time with cleaner records and easier reviews.

Moving or Relocation

Document fragile, rare, or irreplaceable items before transport.

Collection Tracking

Manage art, watches, wine, rare books, and other specialty assets.

Built for speed, accuracy, and security

MyStash AI turns a photo into a protected record

You do not need spreadsheets, complicated forms, or third-party appraisers just to get started.

Identify the item
Estimate market and replacement value
Organize it into your secure inventory
Keep it accessible even during emergencies
Get started now

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

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

Create your free inventory
Watch the tutorial
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Understanding Riders and Endorsements on Your Home Policy

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Understanding Riders and Endorsements on Your Home Policy - MyStash AI
Insurance Coverage Guide

Understanding Riders and Endorsements on Your Home Policy

Is your standard insurance enough? Discover how to protect what matters most.

Coverage Confidence

Riders and endorsements can help close the hidden gaps that standard home insurance often leaves behind.

Most homeowners assume their insurance policy fully protects them. Unfortunately, many only discover after a disaster, theft, or accident that their standard policy leaves important gaps — especially when it comes to high-value items like jewelry, collectibles, fine art, or business equipment.

The solution is often riders and endorsements: custom policy add-ons that provide extra protection where it matters most. Understanding these tools can make the difference between a full payout and a painful financial setback.

At MyStash, we help you take inventory of your assets and match them with the right coverage, so nothing important 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 are not fully protected under your base policy.

Think of them as plug-ins for your policy: custom protection for the things standard insurance often excludes or limits.

When You Need a Rider or Endorsement

Here are some of the most common scenarios where a rider is not just helpful — it is critical.

High-Value Personal Property

  • Jewelry, engagement rings, and watches
  • Fine art, antiques, and rare collectibles
  • Most standard policies cap jewelry coverage at around $1,500

Home-Based Business Equipment

  • Cameras, computers, and tools used for business activity
  • Freelance or work-from-home equipment may not be covered under standard personal property coverage
  • A rider can help protect items used to earn income

Natural Disaster Add-Ons

  • Earthquake coverage
  • Flood-related protection
  • These are often excluded entirely from standard home policies

Liability for Pets or Pools

  • Dog breeds, backyard pools, or trampolines may increase liability risk
  • An endorsement can help cover lawsuits or medical claims
  • It adds another layer of financial protection to your household
How MyStash Helps

How MyStash Makes It Easy to Match Coverage to Value

Insurers need documentation to approve and properly price riders. That is 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 assess risk
Export reports to streamline conversations with your insurance agent
Store everything securely in the cloud and access it from any device

Don’t Leave Your Most Valuable Items Underinsured

Most homeowners do not realize they are underinsured until they try to file a claim. Riders and endorsements exist to close those gaps, but they only work if you know what you own and how much it is 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.

Be ready before you need it

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

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

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How to Create a Defensible Space Against Wildfires

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How to Create a Defensible Space Against Wildfires - MyStash AI
Wildfire Preparedness

How to Create a Defensible Space Against Wildfires

Protect your home and belongings from the growing threat of wildfires.

Protect Outside + Inside

A defensible space helps protect your property perimeter. MyStash helps protect the value inside it.

As wildfires grow more frequent and 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 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 can dramatically increase your chances of surviving a wildfire. But physical protection is only part of the equation. 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 is cleared or modified to reduce fire intensity. This buffer gives firefighters a safer area to work and helps prevent fire from reaching your home in the first place.

Think of it as your home’s first line of defense — and one that can make 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 and use gravel or stone instead
  • Store firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away
  • Use fire-resistant materials and ember-resistant vents

Zone 2: Intermediate Zone

5–30 feet
  • Keep lawns mowed and well-watered
  • Trim tree branches to stay 10 feet from other trees
  • Create breaks in vegetation to slow the spread of fire

Zone 3: Extended Zone

30–100 feet
  • Thin vegetation and remove small trees or shrubs
  • Space trees to reduce the risk of crown fires
  • Eliminate ladder fuels that let fire climb from ground to treetop
Don’t just defend. Document.

Even the best defensible space cannot guarantee zero loss

That is why documenting your possessions before disaster strikes is just as important as preparing your property exterior.

Instantly catalog 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 evacuation

Why MyStash?

In the chaos after a wildfire, insurance adjusters will ask one brutal question: what did you lose? If you do not have a documented inventory, your payout may be delayed or reduced. MyStash helps you answer with clarity, proof, and peace of mind.

We help users protect assets in the face of disaster. Whether you live in wildfire country or simply want to be prepared for anything, MyStash gives you a smarter 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.

Make your home wildfire-ready, and make your assets MyStash-secure.

Be ready before you need it

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

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

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

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Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost | MyStash AI
Insurance Basics

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

Understand your insurance policy before it’s too late.

Coverage Clarity

The difference between ACV and RCV can determine whether you recover part of your loss or the full cost of starting over.

In the aftermath of a disaster—whether it’s a fire, flood, or theft—one detail in your insurance policy often decides whether you receive only a partial reimbursement or recover the full cost of what you lost: how your insurer values your belongings.

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

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

What Is Actual Cash Value (ACV)?

Actual Cash Value tells you how much your items are worth today after depreciation. In simple terms, it reflects what your 5-year-old laptop or couch is worth on the secondhand market—not what it would cost to replace it with a new version.

ACV Example

You are paid what it is worth now

Depreciation reduces your reimbursement, even if replacing the item costs much more today.

You bought a TV for $1,500 five years ago.
Depreciation lowers its current value to $500.
Your insurer pays $500, which may not be enough to buy a similar new one.

What Is Replacement Cost Value (RCV)?

Replacement Cost Value covers the full cost to replace an item you lose or damage with a new one of similar kind and quality, without deducting depreciation.

RCV Example

You are paid what it costs to replace

RCV coverage focuses on what you need today to restore what was lost.

A fire destroys that same $1,500 TV.
With RCV coverage, your insurer pays enough to replace it with a comparable new TV.
You replace the item without absorbing the entire shortfall out of pocket.

Why This Matters: Your Financial Recovery Depends on It

Imagine losing your home in a wildfire. You would need to replace furniture, electronics, appliances, and essentials from the ground up.

If your policy pays only Actual Cash Value, your payout could fall tens of thousands of dollars short. If you do not know what coverage you have today, you are gambling with your future recovery.

How MyStash Helps

Take control with better documentation

Insurance companies require proof of ownership and value. MyStash helps you build that proof before disaster strikes.

Easily document 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
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 do more than just carry insurance—you take control of your financial recovery. Better documentation can support faster payouts, fewer disputes, and more peace of mind in times of crisis.

Do not wait for a disaster to discover that your insurance falls short.

Take action now

Review your policy. Understand the wording. Protect the gap.

  • Review your insurance policy
  • Look for language like “Actual Cash Value” or “Replacement Cost Value”
  • If you are unsure, call your insurance agent

Then protect your coverage with a MyStash inventory.

Start your free inventory today.

Understanding your coverage comes first. Documenting it comes next.

Be ready before you need it

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

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

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5 Smart Home Devices That Can Help Prevent Disasters

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

5 Smart Home Devices That Can Help Prevent Disasters

Turn your home into a safer, smarter shield.

Prevention + Documentation

Smart devices help reduce risk before disaster strikes. MyStash helps you recover faster if something still goes wrong.

Technology is not just about convenience anymore — it has become a frontline defense against household disasters. Every year, homes suffer preventable damage from fires, floods, gas leaks, and break-ins. The good news is that smart home devices are getting better, faster, and more affordable.

Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or property manager, these tools can save time, money, and heartbreak. But even the smartest devices cannot restore what you have lost. That is why pairing them with a secure digital inventory from MyStash gives you the full circle of protection: prevention plus documentation.

5 Devices That Can Make a Real Difference

1. Smart Smoke & CO Detectors

Traditional smoke detectors save lives. Smart models go further with mobile alerts, voice warnings, and automation with other devices.

Top Picks: Nest Protect, First Alert Onelink
Why it matters: Early detection of smoke or carbon monoxide can stop a small incident from becoming a total loss.

2. Smart Water Leak Sensors

Hidden leaks and burst pipes can cause major damage. Smart sensors detect moisture and alert you immediately. Some systems can even shut off 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 security systems help deter break-ins and keep you in control from anywhere.

Top Picks: Ring Alarm, SimpliSafe, Arlo Security Cameras
Why it matters: A burglary can happen in minutes, but recovering losses without documentation can take months.

4. Smart Outlets & Electrical Monitors

These devices help prevent electrical fires by monitoring energy use and letting you turn appliances off remotely. Some can detect overheating or power surges.

Top Picks: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, Sense Home Energy Monitor
Why it matters: Electrical malfunctions remain a leading cause of residential fires and are often preventable.

5. Smart Weather Sensors & Alarms

Get hyper-local weather alerts, monitor air quality, and connect systems that react automatically to storm conditions or other outdoor threats.

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

Smart devices reduce risk. MyStash protects recovery.

No matter how connected your home is, technology alone cannot restore your belongings after a disaster. That is where MyStash completes the picture.

Instantly document valuables with photos and AI assistance
Store receipts, warranties, and serial numbers in one place
Create a secure inventory accessible from anywhere
Share documentation with your insurer for faster claims

Don't Just React — Prepare Proactively

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

Start your free inventory today

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

Prevention helps reduce damage. Documentation helps protect your recovery.

Be ready before you need it

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

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

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The Ultimate Home Inventory Checklist

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The Ultimate Home Inventory Checklist for Insurance Claims - MyStash AI
Insurance Guide

The Ultimate Home Inventory Checklist for Insurance Claims

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

Bonus Included

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

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
Free Printable Download

Get the Checklist

Save, print, and use this checklist room by room so you can start documenting today.

Ultimate Home Inventory Checklist

Enter your email and country and we’ll send the PDF checklist as an attachment.

We’ll send the PDF as an attachment. No spam — just a few tips to help you close your coverage gap.

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.

Be ready before you need it

Ready to take the first step in protecting your home?

Start your free, no-risk home inventory today and be more prepared for tomorrow.

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