Home-based Moving/Relocation series (Pt.5): To Shred or not to Shred…THAT is the question! (Paper Clutter)

To finally cap off this series of tips on moving/relocation, I’ve decided to touch on a common problem we all have… paper clutter.  I know what you’re saying… “Yeah, I know I need to do something about all of this paper but how do I know if I get rid of it that one day I may need it for something… how do I know what I’m supposed to get rid of?”  Well let’s put an end to that right now.  Here’s a list of the most common things that not only you should part from (worry-free) but they should be shredded in order to prevent clutter and incidences of identity theft – a major issue that we face today when it comes to our private information.

Papers to Shred

• Any documents containing you, your family, or business information such as social security numbers, names, birth dates, etc.
• Pins/password information
• Purchase receipts/invoices, especially those with credit/banking information on them (unless required for tax purposes then consult your accountant/attorney first)
• Credit cards or bank cards that are expired or no longer in use (yes, even if the account is closed, shred it!)
• Credit/bank account statements or any financial records no longer needed (such as loan/credit applications)
• Tax documents that are seven years or older (consult your accountant/attorney… you may be able to dispose of them a little sooner.)
• Old business documents no longer needed
• Old customer/client forms that are no longer needed (you want to go the extra mile to protect them as well)
• ATM receipts no longer needed (unless required for tax purposes then consult your accountant/attorney first)
• Checks that are voided or no longer in use (again, even if the account is closed, shred it!)
• Personal/business bills that are already paid or no longer needed (including medical bills)
• Insurance documents no longer needed
• Personal/business legal documentation no longer needed
• Expired identification (such as an old state i.d., driver’s license, employee i.d., passport, etc.)

Once you’ve freed yourself of these things then you’ll find that there’s a lot less to fuss over on a daily basis.  Then take a little time out of your schedule to swap out any new documents like bills or business-related forms that come in so that you don’t have to be overwhelmed with a pile or more all over again.  Keep those desk trays as light as possible.  Once you see a pile begin to form, that is your cue to jump in and determine if you need to keep those papers and if you do put them where they belong.  Those trays are TEMPORARY storage, guys.

Well I hope this series was helpful to you all.  Remember, feel free to comment below and share these tips so that we can empower other entrepreneurs to get organized and stay organized.

– Sy