Business, Estates and Practical Questions
Can I store valuables for an elderly parent moving into care?
The short answer
Yes, families often store a parent's jewellery, documents and heirlooms when the parent moves into care, but the arrangement must rest on proper authority. If your parent can still make decisions, they can generally rent the box themselves and add you as an authorised user. If they cannot, a power of attorney may no longer be valid, and formal legal steps may be needed.
Why authority matters
A parent's valuables remain their property when they move into care, even if a family member is helping. Whoever arranges storage must have the right to deal with those items. Clear authority protects your parent, protects you against later questions from siblings or other relatives, and allows the storage provider to follow instructions with confidence.
How families generally arrange storage
Where the parent still has the mental capacity to make decisions, the simplest route is for the parent to rent the box in their own name and nominate one or more authorised users. Some families use a power of attorney so that a child can act on the parent's behalf. A general power of attorney typically lapses on the death of the person who granted it and, generally, if that person loses mental capacity, so it may not help once capacity is in doubt. In that situation, a court-appointed curator or another formally appointed representative may be needed. This area should be checked with an attorney.
What depends on Knox and what depends on your family
Knox sets how authorised users are added and removed, what documents a representative must provide and what happens if the box holder dies. The First and Second Authorised Persons have full control of the box, including adding further authorised people. A Third and Fourth Authorised Person can access the box but cannot change the arrangement. An admin fee applies for each person added beyond the first two, and everyone must complete Knox's identification checks. Your family's situation shapes the right structure: your parent's capacity, whether siblings agree on the arrangement, whether items are left to particular people in a will, and how often anything will be needed.
What to prepare and what to do next
- A list of the items to be stored, ideally with photographs.
- Identity documents for your parent and for each authorised person.
- Any power of attorney or court appointment.
- A short written note of the family's agreement on the arrangement.
Speak to your parent and, where needed, an attorney, then contact Knox to confirm the documents and access arrangement.
How Knox handles this
Ready for the next step?
Speak to the Knox team about your situation. They will confirm current pricing, availability and requirements before you decide.
