What Is a Go Folder? How to Create One Before You Need It

Some emergencies give you a warning.

Most don’t.

A house fire. A flood. A sudden trip to the ER. Even a fast evacuation because of a nearby gas leak or storm.

When these moments come, the last thing you want is to be scrambling—trying to remember where your passport is or hunting down your health insurance card in the dark.

That’s why every household should have something called a Go Folder.

It’s simple. It’s practical. And it could save you hours of panic and stress when minutes matter most.

What Is a Go Folder?

A Go Folder is a small, quick-grab packet with copies of your most important documents—ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Think of it as your paper backup plan. Not a file cabinet. Not a digital vault. Just a physical folder (ideally, a waterproof and fireproof pouch like this one - affiliate link) with the essentials you’d need if you had to leave home quickly or help a loved one in crisis.

It’s one of the simplest, wisest things you can do to be ready—without living in fear.

What to Put in a Go Folder

You don’t need to include everything. But you do want the things that are hardest to replace—or that would help someone else advocate for you if you were hurt or unavailable.

Here’s a calm, thoughtful starting list.

Personal ID

• Driver’s license or state ID (a copy is fine)
• Passport (or photo page copy)
• Social Security card
• Birth or marriage certificate

Medical Essentials

• Health insurance card
• List of medications, allergies, and health conditions
• Medical power of attorney or advance directive
• Emergency contact info

Financial & Legal Basics

• Bank account info (just the last 4 digits + contact numbers)
• Credit card emergency lines
• Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance
• Lease or deed to your home
• Power of attorney or will (if available)

Other Helpful Items

• Printed contact list (family, neighbors, doctors)
• A few recent family and pet photos
• Spare house key or a note on where it’s hidden
• Password manager recovery sheet or digital access info
• Pet care instructions or vaccination records

Where Should I Keep My Go Folder?

This is key. Your Go Folder contains a lot of personal information, so it needs to be secure—but also accessible in a hurry.

Here’s how to store it wisely:

• Use a fireproof and water-resistant document pouch or zipped binder (these are affordable and easy to find). Here is one I recommend (affiliate link).
• Keep it in a drawer, closet, or safe that isn’t in plain sight—but won’t take you more than 30 seconds to reach. Here is a nice fireproof safe, too (affiliate link).
• If you use a home safe or lockbox, make sure someone else knows the code or key.
• Avoid leaving it on an open shelf or near the front door.
• Consider scanning your documents and storing a digital backup in an encrypted cloud folder or password-protected USB stick—just don’t rely on digital copies alone.

The best storage is protected but practical. You’re not hiding it from yourself—you’re making sure it’s ready when you need it most.

Why a Go Folder Matters

Let’s be honest: Most of us don’t think about this stuff until it’s too late.

But here’s what a Go Folder does:

• It makes a hospital visit less stressful.
• It helps if you need to file a claim after a disaster.
• It gives your spouse, adult kids, or trusted friend what they need to help you quickly and wisely.
• It means you don’t have to start from scratch in the middle of a crisis.

That’s peace of mind.

Don’t Keep It a Secret

Once you’ve built your Go Folder, tell someone you love and trust.

Let your spouse, adult children, or trusted friends know where it is—and how to get to it if something happens.

If you’re helping a parent or friend get their things in order, offer to sit down and create one together. It’s a small step that opens the door to deeper conversations about trust, responsibility, and care.

We want you to be prepared, not paranoid.

Stay safe. Be ready. Online and off.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this material. However, Labbe Media, LLC does not assume liability for any errors, omissions, or discrepancies. The content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Viewers are encouraged to verify any information before making decisions or taking actions based on it.