If you’re like most people, papers tend to pile up faster than you realize. Sorting through old documents can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what’s worth keeping and what’s just taking up space.
Knowing which old papers you don’t actually need to save can help you declutter and make your life easier. Clearing out unnecessary paperwork frees up space and reduces stress, so you can focus on the important documents that really matter.
Old pay stubs from jobs you left years ago
You probably don’t need to hang on to pay stubs from jobs you left more than a few years ago. Most employers only keep records for about three years, and after that, those old stubs rarely come in handy.
If you do need proof of income from way back, there are other ways to get it, like requesting a wage transcript from the IRS. Otherwise, after a certain point, holding onto those old pay stubs just takes up space.
Expired warranties and product manuals
You don’t need to hang on to warranties once they’ve expired. Holding onto them only clutters your space without any real benefit.
The same goes for old product manuals, especially if you’ve replaced the item or no longer use it. For manuals of devices you still own, consider going digital to save space.
This way, you can find what you need quickly without digging through piles of paper. Toss anything that’s clearly outdated or no longer relevant to keep things simple.
Old utility bills beyond tax or legal needs
You don’t really need to keep old utility bills unless they’re tied to something important like taxes or a legal issue. Once you’ve confirmed payment and there’s no dispute, those bills lose their value.
They often contain personal info, so it’s smart to shred them after you’re done. Keeping them for years just adds clutter without much benefit. Tossing them regularly helps keep your space tidy and your info safer.
School assignments and notes from way back
You probably don’t need to hang on to old school assignments from years ago. Most of these papers, like worksheets and routine test copies, won’t do much for you later.
If you’re worried about missing something useful, keep only the work related to your current goals or interests. Notes from way back can clutter up your space without adding value.
Scanning or digitally saving a few important assignments might help, but don’t feel like you need to keep every single page. Let go of what feels irrelevant now.
Receipts for small purchases unless for big items
You don’t need to keep every receipt for small purchases. The IRS usually only expects receipts for expenses over $75. For smaller buys, a simple record like a bank or credit card statement often works fine.
That said, hold on to receipts for big items or anything related to lodging. These are more likely to be important if you get audited. Keeping your records tidy helps, but don’t stress about every tiny purchase.
Old credit card statements past the required time
You probably don’t need to keep credit card statements forever. Most experts suggest holding on to them for about 60 days, just in case you spot any errors or need to dispute charges.
If you use them for tax purposes or business expenses, it’s smart to save them up to seven years. After that, old statements are usually safe to toss, since you can often access digital copies if needed. Keeping too many can quickly clutter your space without much benefit.
Duplicate tax returns beyond the retention period
You don’t need to keep multiple copies of tax returns once the retention period is over. Typically, keeping your tax returns and related documents for three to seven years is enough.
After that, extra copies just take up space. If you’ve already handed over your records to the IRS or filed your taxes electronically, storing duplicates isn’t necessary.
It’s fine to keep one clean, organized set for your records, but don’t stress about holding on to every printed copy forever.
Outdated medical records you no longer need
You don’t have to keep every medical record forever. Most regulations say keeping records for about six years is enough.
If your records go beyond that, especially old test results or visit notes, you can usually toss them. Just make sure you shred anything with personal info to stay safe.
Also, if you’ve switched healthcare providers, old records might not be necessary once the new provider has everything they need. Keep what’s relevant, and clear out the rest.
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As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
