Home Vault Guide
A practical framework for organising cold-storage devices and backups at home
A well-organised home vault does not require expensive equipment. It requires consistent labelling, separated storage zones, and a written index that any authorised household member can follow.
This guide outlines the framework we implement during Home Vault Audits. You can adopt these steps independently or book a session for hands-on assistance.
Core Principles
Separation. Hardware wallets and seed phrase backups should not share the same container. If one location is compromised, the other remains independent.
Legibility over secrecy. Your records should be readable by your designated secondary person. Obscure codes and hidden references fail during emergencies.
Scheduled maintenance. A vault that is not reviewed quarterly will drift. Calendar the review before you need it.
What You Will Need
- One fire-rated safe or lockbox for hardware wallets
- One separate container for seed phrase backups
- A ring binder with index cards
- Small adhesive labels for location codes
- A quarterly review checklist (template available on request)
Follow the numbered steps below to implement the system. Each step builds on the previous one.
Assign a Physical Location
Choose one primary safe or lockbox for hardware wallets and a separate, fire-rated container for seed phrase backups. Label each container with a code — not its contents — and record the code in your ledger.
Create a Wallet Index Card
For every device, write the manufacturer, firmware version, supported chains, and the approximate percentage of your total holdings it carries. Store index cards in a sealed envelope inside your binder.
Map Your Backup Hierarchy
Document primary and secondary recovery locations. Note the material (paper, steel, titanium), date last inspected, and who besides you knows each location exists.
Schedule Quarterly Reviews
Set a recurring calendar reminder to verify that devices power on, backups remain legible, and your written records match what is physically present. Update the ledger after any purchase or transfer.
Available on the Microsoft Store
Track your offline holdings with our companion reference app for Windows devices.