Organization · Private papers

Shred sensitive papers only after checking what to keep

When decluttering paperwork, separate essential originals and documents with retention obligations before shredding papers with personal information.

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The US FTC recommends shredding discarded documents with personal or financial details while preserving essential legal and ownership records. Its example retention periods do not override local laws or an individual's obligations.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Sort papers into three groups: essential originals, retention-period checks, and disposal candidates.
Keep passports, birth-related records, property titles, wills, and other key originals in secure storage rather than discarding them casually.
Check local law, contract terms and professional advice for tax, loan, insurance and warranty records before deciding how long to retain them.
Set aside unnecessary receipts, statements and medical papers that expose names, addresses, account numbers or other identifying details for shredding.
Operate shredders according to their manuals and keep children away. Without a shredder, find a trustworthy local secure-destruction service.
Dispose of shredded paper according to local recycling rules; label and safely file the records you are keeping.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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