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If you are anything like the average person you might struggle with paper organization and you probably have a stash somewhere in your home of random papers, receipts and forms. Flipping through them is a bit like an archeological dig as it provides a snapshot of your life in the form of a pile. Plenty of people live in fear that they will accidentally toss or shred something important so the stash, piles and files get bigger and thicker with time.
I am here to help you go through your papers once and for all and to help you designate just what you need to file and what you can shred or recycle. If you are looking for a method to keep all those papers organized once you have gone through them, I recommend looking here for the process I used when I set up our grown up filing system.
If you are starting this process with no filing system to speak of, I recommend investing in some file folders so that you have somewhere to put the papers when you are done with them. Begin by deciding just what you need for categories and individual files. This may vary from person to person depending upon your family structure, finances and other variables. You can choose to color code the files- red for medical, green for finance etc.- or you can use file folders you may already have. These categories are intended to be idea starters and are by no means conclusive, so feel free to adjust or retitle so that it fits your needs.
Important Documents:
- birth certificate
- marriage certificate
- social security card
- passports
- power of attorney
Finance:
- retirement and 410K
- checking
- savings
- loans
- tax documents
- insurance
- credit card information
Medical:
- insurance
- bills/receipts
- coverage documents
- HSA/FSA
Vehicles:
- title, loan, or lease documents
- insurance
- maintenance
Education:
- transcripts
- individual child education folders
- diplomas
Lifestyle:
- childcare
- clubs
- travel
- family history
Print out this free printable and keep it handy with your filing system as you go through your piles and files. Enjoy the satisfaction that an organized filing system brings.
Go here to download your FREE How Long Should I Keep It Printable!
Anne Says...
Great article and homekeeping tips to incorporate into our existing system.
Debbie Says...
How do you dispose of papers with personal info once it’s time to get rid of them? Do you have a shredder? If so, what kind of shredder do you use? Love your blog so much! Thank you!
Becky Says...
Post authorA shredder!
Brenda Says...
A type thst cross cuts and also shreds credit cards! Fellowes is one brand name at Walmart.
Sarah Says...
If I have a lot of papers with personal information, I take them to our recycling center on a day when it’s pouring rain. It’s an open dump and I’m fairly certain that my papers will turn to paper mache in no time.
Dyan Murphy Says...
What would you consider medical bills vs. medical records? I have a hard time getting rid of any medical bills, as they have dates and activity attached to it.
Becky Says...
Post authorA bill is something that you paid and the record is the information from the appointment or procedure.
Ridley Fitzgerald Says...
These are some great guidelines for document care. I honestly had never sat down and thought about how many documents we accrue as adults. It’s good to know that when I can shred them though, to keep the piles of papers manageable!
Karen Says...
How long do you keep credit card statements? Bills for utilities (i.e. gas, electric, internet, phone/cell phone, etc.)? I know these can be electronic now but I am old school. And it is these that pile up. Though on your list you say to keep cancelled checks for 7 years – can’t remember the last time I received checks back in the mail let alone bank statements. Not completely old school. 🙂
Becky Says...
Post authorOnce I see the cc statement has posted my previous payment I am okay to shred. OR if you want physical copies, keep them for a year.