Paper and Digital
- How long should I keep important documents at home?
Keep tax records for 3-7 years, and vital documents like birth certificates and wills forever. For most other papers, a year is enough unless they support tax filings or major purchases. - What is the best way to organize mail and paperwork?
Sort mail daily, immediately recycling junk and shredding sensitive items. Use a simple filing system with categories like 'action,' 'archive,' and 'to file,' and go paperless when possible. - How do I stop paper clutter from piling up?
Deal with paper immediately: sort it into action, file, or recycle, and set up a simple system with an inbox, a shredder, and a filing cabinet. Touch each piece once and decide its fate. - Should I scan old photos or keep the originals?
Keep the originals if they are irreplaceable or have sentimental value, but scan them for easy sharing and backup. For most people, a hybrid approach works best: store originals safely and digitize for access. - How do I organize digital files on my computer?
Use a consistent folder structure, clear file names, and regular cleanup. Start with broad categories, then subdivide, and avoid saving everything to the desktop. - What is the best way to store tax documents?
Keep tax returns and supporting documents for at least three years, but seven years is safer for major items. Store them in a labeled folder or box, ideally fireproof, and consider digitizing for backup.