Setting up gmail and google drive

A super easy way to keep your recovery record-keeping from becoming chaos.

Why bother?

After the Eaton and Palisades fires, some thoughtful Woolsey survivors made physical file folders to help the new crop of folks. Staying organized had helped them so much in their recovery and they wanted to pass it on.

They were so right: creating a separate email address and keeping all your recovery-related documents and records in one place will save you hours of headache later.

Gmail and Google Drive are just one option, but they are free and very user friendly.

Find our digital adaptation of this genius idea with free folders and templates here.

How to Make a Gmail account (on a computer)

  • Go to www.gmail.com

  • Click Create account → For myself

  • Type your First name and Last name

  • Choose a Username (this will be your email, like name@gmail.com).

  • Make a Password, then type it again to confirm.

  • Click “Next”.

  • Enter your Phone number (this helps if you forget your password) → click “Next”.

    • Google will text you a code. Type the code and click Verify.

  • (Optional) Add a recovery email. Enter your Birthday and Gender → Next.
    Read the terms and click “I Agree”

  • Done! You’re in Gmail. Your new email is yourusername@gmail.com.

Quick Tips 

  • If the username is taken, add numbers or a dot (e.g., alex.smith01).

  • Use a strong password (at least 8 characters). Write it down somewhere safe.

  • Turn on 2-Step Verification later for extra security (in your Google Account → Security).

  • Didn’t get the text code? Wait a minute, then tap Resend or choose Call. 

How to Use Google Drive 

  1. Open Google Drive

  2. Log in with your Gmail account

  3. Upload files or folders

    1. Click “New” (top left)

    2. Choose “File upload” or “Folder Upload”

    3. Select the file or folder from your computer

    4. Click “Open”

    5. Your files will appear in your Drive

  4. Create new files

    1. Click “New”

    2. Choose:

      1. Google Docs → for documents

      2. Google Sheets → for spreadsheets

      3. Google Slides → for presentations

    3. A new file will open. You can type and edit

  5. Organize files

    1. Click “New” → “Folder” to make a new folder

    2. Name the folder

    3. Drag files into the folder to keep things neat

  6. Share files or folders

    1. Right-click the file or folder → click “Share”

    2. Type the person’s email address

    3. Choose Viewer, Commenter, or Editor

    4. Click “Send”