How to Replace (and Store) Crucial Documents

How to Protect Important Papers

If you think you outgrew the need for lamination way back when your ID became legal, you're wrong. The protective plastic coating can keep important papers from aging.

Lamination is best for: Papers that you handle regularly or want to preserve, such as recipe cards, kids' artwork, luggage tags, newspaper clippings, frequently used work documents, auto insurance cards, prescription cards, emergency phone lists, and wallet-size photos.

Not recommended for: Important cards and papers that become worthless if altered, such as baseball cards, birth certificates, and Social Security cards.

How: Instead of investing in a bulky, often unreliable machine of your own, bring your item to an office store, such as Kinko's (kinkos.com for store locations).