Document Downsizing: Turning Paper Mountains into Mere Molehills

Of all the “stuff” we accumulate over the years, paper is the champ.
Bank statements, tax returns, warranties, health records, insurance policies, appliance manuals, receipts for things you bought ages ago…the list is endless, and so are the piles.
Downsizing paperwork can be intimidating, but if you follow some basic rules about what to keep and what to discard, your dining room table will serve its intended purpose sooner than later.
Some papers should be kept forever, some for a month, and others tossed on the spot. One easy-to-remember rule is, if it has to do with taxes, keep it for three years. If not, one year or less is usually enough.
If you have questions about a specific document, please consult the appropriate professional, like a certified public accountant, lawyer, or investment manager. They can give you expert advice about what to keep or discard.
Here are some general guidelines:
Storage:
Any vital documents should be stored someplace fire- and waterproof, like a bank safe-deposit box or a home safe that cannot be removed easily.
Forever documents:
Seven years:
Three years:
One year:
One month or less:
In-force paperwork:
If you have property tax bills for a property you’ve sold, or old contracts that have been executed satisfactorily, discard those. Toss expired warranties, owner’s manuals, and the like.
Remember that most, if not all, of these documents can be accessed online. If you’ve already gone paperless for bills and statements, you’re already on your way to reducing your cache of documents. If not, it’s worth considering before you move.
Once you’ve winnowed your stockpile, protect sensitive or private information by using a shredding service. Purchasing a home shredder is another viable option. Look for a micro-shredder that turns sheets of paper into tiny pieces, so they cannot be reconfigured. You’ll find these at any office supply store or online.
There’s one last category of paper you’ll have to consider: sentiments. The cards, letters, photos, and invitations you’ve saved over the years are meaningful reminders of loved ones, events, and adventures.
The best way to preserve them? Photograph them and store them digitally. There’s no limit to what you can keep!
Plus, they’re easy to retrieve and take up no space. If you need some help with technology, involve your kids and grandkids—it can be a fun project for the entire family.
For more tips on decluttering, downsizing, or any other moving-related question, contact the personal moving consultant at the Erickson Senior Living community that interests you.