Handling Your Paper Clutter

Paper piles up and can quickly become overwhelming. Every day we have more and more paper coming into our homes- sales receipts, bills, junk mail, kid’s school papers etc. It is easy to collect and keep paper documents with the belief that you may need them some day. 

As discussed in this week’s Tuesday Tip, a Command Center in your home can help you control the constant deluge of paper coming into your home. (Follow @bellorganizing on Facebook or Instagram to read the weekly organizing tips). 

The key is to address incoming mail and paper documents immediately before it can pile up. 

Below is a list of a few common paper items and suggestions with how long to keep them. As a reminder, ALWAYS consult your accountant and/or lawyer (or another trusted adviser) before you shred or throw away important documents. 

•      Month or Less: ATM Receipts & Receipts from Credit Card Purchases 
•      1 Year: Pay Stubs & Medical Receipts 
•      7 Years: Tax Preparation Documents 

  Forever: 

•           Home Owner Documentation 
•           Mortgage Documentation 
•           Home Improvement Receipts 
•           (keep home owner documentation as long as you have the home) 
•           Legal Documents 

Make sure you have a shredder in your home. When you no longer need the paper document anymore, shred it! The more frequently you address your paper clutter the easier it is to manage.