Paper has a way of piling up before you even realize it. A few bills land on the kitchen counter, receipts end up in a drawer, and suddenly the filing cabinet is packed with papers you haven’t looked at in years.
Some records are worth keeping for a long time, but plenty of everyday paperwork has already done its job. If you’re ready to clear out some of the clutter, sort your papers into two piles: things you can get rid of and records you should keep.
Before shredding anything, check whether you might need it for taxes, a return, a warranty, a dispute, or another recordkeeping reason. Once you’re sure you don’t need it, shredding is a better choice than tossing papers with personal information into the trash.
9 Paper Documents You Can Finally Shred
1. Old Utility Bills
Once you’ve paid your electric, water, gas, or internet bill and checked that everything looks right, there’s often little reason to keep the paper copy for years.
Many utility companies keep your billing history online, so you can pull up an old bill later if you need it. If you prefer paper records, keep them for as long as you feel you need them and then shred them.
Related: 10 Things You’re Doing That Drives Up Your Utility Bill Each Month
2. Expired Insurance Cards
Insurance cards become outdated when your insurer sends you a new one. Once you’ve confirmed the new card is correct and you don’t need the old one for a claim or other record, shred the outdated copy.
This applies to old health, auto, and homeowners insurance cards. Since they can contain personal and policy information, shredding is safer than dropping them into the trash.
3. Bank Statements Older Than One Year
Bank statements can quickly turn into a thick stack of paper. If you’ve checked the transactions, don’t need the statements for tax or other financial records, and can access them through your bank, older copies may be ready to go.
There’s no universal rule that says every bank statement can be shredded after one year, though. If you’re self-employed, dealing with a financial dispute, or keeping records for taxes, you may need them longer.
4. Credit Card Statements You’ve Already Reviewed
Once you’ve checked your credit card charges and dealt with any disputes, older statements may no longer serve much purpose.
If your statements are available through online banking, you may prefer keeping digital copies instead of a growing stack of paper. Check your own recordkeeping needs before shredding, especially if a purchase relates to taxes, insurance, a warranty, or a large household expense.
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5. Instruction Manuals
A drawer full of appliance manuals can take up a surprising amount of room. For many newer products, the manual is available on the manufacturer’s website whenever you need it.
Before tossing one, check whether the product has any warranty information, model-specific instructions, or other paperwork you might need later. If you find the manual online, save a digital copy or bookmark the manufacturer’s page.
6. Expired Coupons and Promotional Mailers
Expired coupons don’t have much use once the offer is over. The same goes for old store flyers, promotional postcards, and mailers you never plan to use.
Shred anything that includes your name, address, account information, or other personal details. Plain advertisements without personal information can usually go straight into recycling, depending on your local recycling rules.
7. Old Receipts for Everyday Purchases
Receipts for groceries, coffee, and routine household purchases tend to collect in wallets, drawers, and bags.
Once the return period has passed and you’re sure you don’t need the receipt for a warranty, reimbursement, tax record, or other reason, it’s usually safe to get rid of it. Shred receipts that contain payment or personal information rather than tossing them whole.
8. Event Invitations and Save-the-Dates
Once a wedding, graduation, birthday, or other event has passed, there’s usually no reason to keep every invitation and save-the-date.
If one has sentimental value, take a photo before getting rid of it. You can keep the memory without filling a box with old invitations.
9. Outdated Newsletters and Catalogs
Old catalogs, school newsletters, organization mailers, and other routine publications can pile up quickly.
If you haven’t looked at one in months and there’s nothing inside you need, it’s probably time for it to go. Recycle plain paper where accepted, and shred anything that contains personal information.
Related: Kitchen Organizer Printable Bundle | Meal Planner, Grocery List & Pantry Inventory Tracker PDF
5 Paper Documents You Should Never Throw Away
1. Birth Certificates
Birth certificates are identity records you’ll likely need at different points in your life. They can be required for passports, certain government services, employment paperwork, and other official matters.
Keep the original in a secure place. If you need extra copies, follow the rules in your state for obtaining certified copies rather than treating the original like an everyday document.
2. Social Security Cards
Your Social Security card is another document that should be kept somewhere safe. There’s usually no reason to carry it around in your wallet every day.
Store it securely with your other important records, and avoid leaving it in places where it could easily be lost or stolen.
Related: 15 Important Documents You Should Never Throw away
3. Tax Records
Tax paperwork deserves more thought before you start shredding. Returns, W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and other supporting documents may need to be kept for several years.
The IRS says taxpayers should generally keep records that support an income or deduction item until the period of limitations for that return runs out. The exact time can vary, so check current IRS guidance and your state rules before getting rid of tax records.
4. Property and Vehicle Ownership Documents
Deeds, property records, vehicle titles, mortgage documents, and other ownership paperwork can be difficult to replace and may be needed when you sell, refinance, transfer, or otherwise deal with an asset.
Keep these records somewhere secure for as long as they remain relevant. Some property and tax records may also be worth keeping longer, so don’t treat them like ordinary household paperwork.
5. Marriage Certificates and Other Legal Documents
Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption records, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other legal documents belong in your long-term records.
Some of these papers may be needed years after they were issued, and replacing them can take time. Store originals somewhere secure and keep track of where they are so you aren’t searching for them during an emergency or major life event.
