Downsizing
Digital Downsizing: Phones, Photos, Passwords, and Online Accounts
How to organize digital accounts, photos, phones, passwords, subscriptions, medical portals, and family access before a move or care change.
Downsizing is not only closets and furniture. Families also need to organize phones, photos, email, passwords, subscriptions, online banking, medical portals, and two-factor authentication.
Start with access
- Phone passcode and device unlock method.
- Email account recovery options.
- Password manager or secure password plan.
- Medical portal logins and pharmacy accounts.
- Online bills, subscriptions, cloud storage, and photo backups.
Avoid unsafe sharing
Do not email full password lists or leave them in an obvious place. Use a password manager, attorney-approved digital access plan, or sealed emergency instructions with a trusted person.
Preserve photos
Back up important photos before changing phones or computers. Label people and events where possible so family history is not lost.
Use YouRetire tools
Add digital account tasks to the move checklist and emergency binder plan. Digital access can become urgent after hospitalization or a sudden move.