Organizing Tips
Practical Questions to ask yourself when organizing:
General:
- Is this a duplicate?
- Do I have room for it?
- Is this the best place for it?
- Would I buy it again?
- If I keep it, will I remember I have it and be able to find it?
- Do I need or want it?
- How long do I need to keep it? When can I get rid of it?
- When do I think I will use it again?
- Is this adding value to my life or home right now?
- What’s the worst that will happen if I toss it?
- Will I really read it?
- Am I really going to finish this project? When?
Clothing:
- Do I fit in it?
- Do I feel great in it?
- Is it in style?
- Am I just saving this for when my weight/ body changes?
- Is it too worn to keep?
- When was the last time I actually wore it?
- How many of the same thing do I already have?
Paper Clutter Organization
Keep 1-3 months:
- ATM and bank deposit slips
- Utility bills
- Sales receipts for minor purchases (non-deductible items)
Keep for 1 year:
- Paycheck stubs
- Checkbook ledgers
- Monthly mortgage statements
- Expired insurance records
- Charitable contributions
Keep for 7 years:
- Bank statements
- W-2 and 1099 forms
- Receipts for tax purposes
- Cancelled checks
- Disability records
- Unemployment income stubs
- Medical bills/claims
Keep indefinitely:
- Legal documents (birth certificates, marriage license, divorce papers, passports)
- Annual tax returns
- Deeds, mortgages and bills of sale
- Year-end statements for investments
- Home improvement documentation and receipts
- Receipts for major purchases—for warranty and insurance purposes
- Wills
- Power of attorney designation
- Medical and burial instructions
- Beneficiary directions
- Real estate certificates
- Automobile titles
- Current insurance policies
- Medical records
- Education records
- Pension/ retirement plan records
