How much paper work do you keep?

Hazy

I am trying to have a major clear out at the moment and one area that seems to be overflowing is all the paper work relating to everything and anything. Do I really need to keep masses of statements, bills, etc? I currently file absolutely everything which I'm sure isn't necessary but not sure what I should keep. Is there anything I definitely shouldn't throw out? Any advice?

PasturesNew

You're supposed to keep payslip type of information for 6 years.
I hope they don't come after me, I shredded EVERYTHING I had a year ago when I got rid of everything I owned for a fresh new start.

Paperwork these days is crazy amounts! It's like a tsunami of bills, information, leaflets, flyers. It's non stop. Starting afresh, I already have three ring binders and a whole lever arch file of new paperwork just since 1 September 2007!

blottedcopybook

I only keep payslips, bank statements and anything to do with pensions. Everything else I bin because I can track it through the bank statements. I have three children and all the gubbins that comes with that - I can't have my house overflowing with paper too!

Zazen999

I keep financial stuff for a year then chuck.

The only stuff I do save is regarding any major purchases, in case of any insurance claims [you never know].

I started a yearly file, so in 2008 I chucked the whole contents of 2006. Well, it went into the composter and eventually into the garden.

BernadetteN

I keep everything for 7 years for tax reasons and childminding things for 21 years (the number of years back I was told a parent could sue me for and so was advised to keep all records that length of time).

Slinky

I run a small business with myself and one employee. I have to keep my employers liability certificate for FORTY years would you believe!

Primrose

I keep credit card statements for a year. Receipts and bills for electrical goods or anything else with a one year warranty are kept in a Warranty File.
Pay/pension slips kept for a year. P 60's held indefinitely as they keep a record of your National Insurance contributions and when it comes to the time you draw your pension, you need this record as Government records have proved unreliable in the past. Domestic fuel bills/Council Tax kept for 2 years.
Tax returns kept indefinitely.

sooz

Get a scanner, & an external hard drive.

I scan everything, including the childrens' art & school work. Then I shred the lot.

It still piles up though...my scanning pile is rather high and the shredder needs to rest.

Anastasia

As Primose said - never throw away your P60s!

Carmina_Piranha_3

I tend to chuck everything into the recycling. I'm a dozy mare, and threw the mortgage statement away instead of letting my husband keep it. When I tried to open a bank account for my child last month I couldn't find anything to prove my address :eek: I had even chucked the TV license

I'd been CRB checked that day too, but they accept catalogue bills etc. so I was able to collect 2 pieces of paper to identify me, but the bank wanted proper official papers which were less than 3 months old so I had to wait before I could open the account, until the new TV license and mortgage statement arrived!