Having a clear-out - what original bills, bank statements should we keep?

helen269

We're getting snowed under with housekeeping documents like old bills, bank statements, etc. so we're scanning all of it with a view to shredding what we don't absolutely need to keep. But what can we let go that we won't find we need the originals of at some point in the future? Obviously we'll keep stuff like ID docs, the tenancy agreement, and so on, but old bank statements and letters from council tax/housing benefit/JSA?

My question is what original copies of household documents have other members found to be necessary to keep and that they have been asked to provide by various agencies and organisations?

Mistral001

I would keep anything to do with purchases and finance for at least six years.  That is the the time after which generally you cannot take legal action against someone or a company if you have a dispute with them.  If in doubt keep it.  

badmemory

All P60s & pay slips until you receive the relevant P60.  You need these in case HMRC have incorrect state & other pension records for you etc.  They can also go back 20 years if they think you have done something illegal.  Personally I would also keep any bank statement showing a significant movement (as in unusual) of money either in or out.

Belenus

I won't advise you on what to keep but I will suggest that you switch to online billing as much as possible for your banking etc as that will reduce the issue of storage in the future.

I have switched to online billing only and keep a file on my laptop with all the monthly statements from my bank, credit cards, telephone and internet supplier, energy supplier etc. I back it up regularly.

helen269

Some good suggestions here, thanks guys. We switched to online banking just before lockdown so no more paper statements. Our leccy bills are also online although again because of Covid we've both lost our jobs so now all we get hard copies of are Final Reminders. :-(