What to shred
What should I shred, and what should I keep?
The rule of thumb: if a piece of paper has your name plus an account number, Social Security number, date of birth, signature or medical detail on it, it should be shredded — never tossed. Here's a plain-English checklist.
Shred these
- Bank and credit card statements you no longer need
- Cancelled and voided checks, old checkbooks
- Pay stubs after you've matched them to your W-2
- Tax returns and supporting records older than 7 years
- Medical bills, insurance explanations of benefits, prescription labels
- Pre-approved credit card and loan offers
- Expired IDs, passports, insurance cards and membership cards
- Utility bills older than a year
- Old resumes, applications and employee files past retention
- Anything with a signature, account number or SSN on it
Keep these (in a safe place)
- Birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage and death certificates
- Current passports and military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Deeds, titles, mortgage payoff letters
- Wills, trusts, powers of attorney
- Current insurance policies
- Records for any property you still own, plus improvement receipts
- Retirement and pension paperwork
- Loan documents until paid off, then the payoff confirmation
How long to keep common records
General guidelines for households and small businesses. Your accountant or attorney may advise longer for your situation.
| Document | Keep for | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Tax returns and supporting documents | 7 years | Shred |
| Bank statements | 1 year (7 if used for taxes) | Shred |
| Credit card statements | Until reconciled (7 years if tax-related) | Shred |
| Pay stubs | Until matched to your W-2 | Shred |
| Medical bills and EOBs | 1 year after payment (longer if disputed) | Shred |
| Utility bills | 1 year | Shred |
| Receipts for major purchases | Life of the warranty or item | Shred |
| Home purchase and improvement records | 7 years after you sell | Shred |
| Business employee records | Typically 3–7 years after separation | Shred |
| Business invoices and ledgers | 7 years | Shred |
These are common guidelines, not legal advice. Regulated businesses (medical, legal, financial) should follow their specific retention rules.
Found a pile that needs to go?
Count the boxes, or don't — we'll figure it out with you on the phone.