Organizing Paper. Out of all the
questions I get from my GON readers, this is the number one topic. In light of this, during this week I'll be focusing every one of my newsletter issues on organizing paper.
Today's
topic:
Decluttering Your Documents:
What to Keep and What to Toss
We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed by piles of paperwork that seem to multiply overnight. It's time to regain control and tackle that mess! But before you embark on your decluttering journey, it's
important to know what documents you should keep and what you can safely let go of. Let's dive in and simplify your filing system!
1. Keep it Forever: Certain documents are essential and should be kept indefinitely. These include documents such as birth certificates, marriage
certificates, wills, and Social Security cards, to name a few. These precious papers are not only important for legal reasons but also for sentimental value. It's best to store them in a secure place, such as a locked safe or a safety deposit box.
2. Keep it for a While: There are
several documents you should hold onto for a specific period.
One example is your tax returns and supporting documents. These should be kept for at least seven years.
Warranties for products you own and the purchase receipt, like a refrigerator or computer? They're necessary to keep as long as the product is under warranty. If the item breaks down, you'll likely need
that paperwork to get it fixed without paying (or for the company to take it back.)
3. Can Be Tossed: Many documents can be safely disposed of once their purpose has been served.
These include papers like old utility bills (unless needed for tax deductions), ATM receipts, and credit card receipts (unless needed for returns or warranties).
Other examples are papers that contain information that you can easily access online.
When decluttering any document, always remember to shred any portions of it that contains sensitive personal information to protect against identity theft.
