What to Do with Years of Paperwork

Over time, paperwork has a way of quietly piling up in many forms—saved greeting cards, catalogs, recipes, newspaper clippings, paid utility bills, appliance manuals, and tax records. Before you know it, file cabinets, drawers, and boxes are full. When it’s time to move, sorting through it all can feel overwhelming. The key is to start small and stay focused, rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Break the process into simple categories like keep, shred, and recycle, and work through one area at a time. While some documents are important to hold onto—such as legal paperwork, certain tax records, and key financial documents—you may be surprised by how much you no longer need.

Once you’ve sorted everything, create a simple system moving forward. Think in terms of one small file box, clearly labeled folders, and digital copies when possible. A helpful mindset is to handle each piece of paper only once—pay it, file it, shred it, or discard it. Avoid moving papers from pile to pile or room to room to deal with “later,” as that’s how clutter builds. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. You don’t have to finish everything in one day, and each small step makes the process more manageable.

When it comes to confidential papers, you have several options. A home shredder works well for smaller amounts. For larger volumes, many office supply stores offer secure shredding services and charge by weight. If you have a significant amount—especially from a home office—there are mobile shredding services that will come directly to your home for added convenience. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for community shredding events, which are often offered free of charge or in exchange for a small donation to a local nonprofit or food bank. A helpful tip: do your sorting ahead of time so when you hear about an upcoming event, you’re ready to take advantage of it without the last-minute rush.

If you’re starting to think about selling your home, or helping a loved one make a move, I’m here to help. You can reach me, Kirsten Sharpe - The REALTOR for SENIORS™ at 574-339-7959 or via email at kirstenjsharpe@gmail.com.