Frequently asked questions
Q: What's inside a Nokbox?
Your Nokbox has 14 different categories that account for every aspect of your life. Within each category is a set of labeled folders, covering different accounts, insurance policies, your pets, information about your home, your investments, your memorabilia, your health history, your ancestry, and so much more (66 in total). Inside each folder is a checksheet customized for that topic. On one side of the sheet, it tells YOU what to put in the folder. On the flip side, it provides your Next of Kin (NOK) with a place to organize that particular item and stay accountable as they manage your estate. The box also comes with a key organization system and a separate document holder for things like titles and birth certificates (and death certificates). When you're gone, this box acts as a map for your NOK, helping them find everything they need. While you are living, the Nokbox will keep you organized through the rest of your life.
Q: What is a Nokbox?
A Nokbox is a complete home organization and estate planning system that helps you organize every important aspect of your life — accounts, documents, keys, property, pets, and more — into one color-coded, labeled system. It gives you step-by-step guidance on what to organize, and gives your next of kin (NOK) clear instructions on what to do when the time comes.
Q: What does NOK stand for?
NOK stands for Next of Kin—The person or people responsible for managing your affairs if you pass away or become incapacitated. A Nokbox is designed to make that job as clear and manageable as possible.
Q: Which box/kit should I choose?
All of our kits contain the same information and work for every household. If you don't have much yet, the Original is a great start. If you have too much paper, we help you eliminate it down to ONE document per category. If you already have folders or a system, select the Nokbox Lite. If you already have a storage box or want your own container, get the Base Kit. The Nokbox Original and Nokbox Fireproof are the Base Kit plus a container. Click here to watch a video to learn more about the different kits.
Q: This sounds like something for old people. At what age should I set up my Nokbox?
Return policy
Our goal is for every customer to be totally satisfied with their purchase. If this isn't the case, let us know and we'll do our best to work with you to make it right.
Shipping
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Manufacturing
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
You do not have to be old, nor on your death bed to put together a box. In fact, it would be much easier for everyone if that wasn't the case. If you are just starting out in adulthood, you may not have a lot to put in your box. However, as life goes on, you will. Having a box gives you a place to keep and manage everything and you can avoid having any other files around the house. When you go to apply for that mortgage, or file an insurance claim, or sell your vehicle, you can go right to your Nokbox to grab information you need. It's pretty awesome, and the Nokbox makes a great wedding or housewarming gift. No matter what your age or phase in life, it's a great idea to have a Nokbox!
Q: Who is a Nokbox for?
Return policy
Our goal is for every customer to be totally satisfied with their purchase. If this isn't the case, let us know and we'll do our best to work with you to make it right.
Shipping
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Manufacturing
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
For yourself: If you've been meaning to get organized, want everything in one place, or just want to know that your family won't be left scrambling.
As a gift: for a parent, a spouse, or anyone you'd want to spare from a months-long scavenger hunt through your life.
For your whole household: especially if one person manages most of the bills, accounts, or household details and the other doesn't know where everything is.
Q: If I'm married, do we need one box, or two?
This can be a tough question, as it depends on how intermingled you keep your accounts. We suggest starting with one, and then seeing what you may need to supplement. Some couples wind up buying two boxes, while others get a Lite kit to add some extra sections to their existing box.
Q: Why not just use a binder?
Have you ever tried to keep a binder updated? It involves hole punching and sorting, which then just becomes a pile :). Folders are SO much easier: they are clearly labeled (ours include checksheets!), and you can just drop in whatever papers or notes you want. Plus, the files can expand to fit their space, and a binder is constrictive.
Q: Is the Nokbox the same as a will?
No. Your will helps determine what happens to your estate. It's important to have one--reach out to an in-person attorney, an online legal platform, or purchase a will from The Nokbox: we have estate planning packages available.
Q: How long does it take to complete a Nokbox?
It depends. Some people finish in a weekend. Some put it off and let it sit for years! The time is based on how much you have to track. We also suggest tracking what you DON'T have (so your NOK doesn't go looking for it).
If you need support, the Nokbox Academy is here for you!
Q: Is the Nokbox fireproof?
We offer a fire-resistant container. The materials of the box are deemed fireproof and have been tested by the manufacturer. We did a similar at-home test as well with success--fire did not burn the box, even after 15 minutes. However, our company is in Colorado, and have seen wildfires that melt refrigerators and cars. We aren’t sure that there are any home fire safes that withstand that kind of sustained fire or heat (and if there are, they would be thousands of dollars).
If what we offer isn't what you're looking for, you can purchase a Nokbox Base Kit and put it into any container you like!
Q: Why isn't this a digital product?
The Nokbox is the paper trail for your digital life! We all have so much online, on paper, and in our minds: it's hard to keep track. The Nokbox does NOT replace your digital information: rather it helps keep track of it! You do NOT need to handwrite the answers directly on the forms/checksheets: you can simply drop in statements you have or type up your own answers on your computer, print them out, and drop them in. The Nokbox aims to ELIMINATE the rest of the paper in your home: we just want you to have ONE piece of paper for everything you've got. Think of it as a giant index for your life.
Q: Is the Nokbox physical or digital?
It's physical, because it tracks everything you have digitally. So, for example, your electric bill is likely already set up with an online account and password. The Nokbox lets your NOK know how to find that account and pay the bill. We don't have yet another "vault" to secure your electric bill account--you already have one.
We do offer a variety of digital downloads and resources for tracking your information. But, we want you to have a physical note in your Nokbox on everything--then the NOK knows that that's the central command area for everything in your estate (and don't have to wonder what else you have out there in the cloud that they don't know about).
Q: What if I already have a file cabinet or a box?
Buy a Nokbox Lite! This kit contains everything in the Original box, except the folders, hanging folders, and box. You get your stack of manila folders, label them with labels we provide, add them to 15 hanging folders, label those with our hanging tabs, and drop a check sheet into each folder.
Q: Does a Nokbox need to be locked up or stored in a safe?
We do not instruct folks to store all vital items in the box. We provide a zippered pouch with a list of essential documents for which you should account and suggest you keep that pouch in a safe or secure location. You can keep it wherever you'd like, or create a few sets and put them in different places, but the point is to know where those documents are and also ensure your NOK (next of kin) knows that location as well. We also will provide tips on storing passwords: they don't all have to go into the box! The Nokbox itself is a system/tool to organize everything else that you have (online, on paper, etc). You can buy it with no box and keep it in a locked cabinet, if that's what you'd prefer!
Q: What's the difference between the Nokbox Lite and the other Nokboxes?
The Nokbox Lite gives you all of the valuable contents of The Original Nokbox™, but you use your own folders and box to set it up. The Original Nokbox 1 watertight, sturdy plastic file box with a quality handle and a lid that opens.
Q: How do I set up my Nokbox Lite?
Please scan the QR code that came with the directions: it's right in the beginning! It will take you to a video that shows you what to do, step by step.
Q: Do you have a Military Discount?
Yes we do! And thank you for your service. To access our military discount, you must be enrolled in the ID.me program to verify your military status. You can sign up at www.id.me. Follow these steps: Add your items to the cart and hit CHECK OUT. Look for the option to sign in to ID.me and select it and sign in. You will see your discount applied before you check out. Note: If you are using Shop Pay, it may block the log in link. If this is the case, try checking out as a guest.
Q: What's the return policy?
If something is missing or damaged in your order, please reach out to help@thenokbox.com and we'll take care of it right away. We do not accept returns just because you changed your mind. Within 7 days of receipt, email us at help@thenokbox.com with your order number. We will send you the Return Form. You'll send the box back postmarked within 7 days of our receipt of your form. If the item arrives fully intact, undamaged, and unused, we'll send you a refund for the product. We do not offer refunds on shipping or after 7 days of receipt. If you got free shipping, we will deduct the shipping fee from the refund. Good customer service is a value at The Nokbox - we'll take care of anything that isn't right, quickly.