Today starts a new month....and our new habit is dealing with the paper clutter.

Now is the time to fling the paper you don't need and to sort and file what you should keep. Here is a list our guys at HeyTom.net put together for us:

RECORD RETENTION:
Here is a basic list of what to keep and how long.

Keep :
Birth certificates
Adoption papers
Custody agreements
Death certificates
Deeds to property
Divorce papers
List of previous employers
Loans that have been paid off (canceled notes or other evidence)
Marriage certificates
Passports
Photographic or video record of house and household contents
Record of any governmental employment (e.g., armed forces)
Income tax returns (supporting documentation may be destroyed after six years)
Tax forms and supporting records relating to non-deductible IRA contributions
Tax forms and supporting records relating to sale of a home

Keep for a while:
Bank statements: six years
Brokers' confirmation slips for purchases:until security is sold
Canceled checks: six years
Contracts:seven years after expiration
Credit card statements:six years
Receipts for home improvements that can be added to tax basis of home
six years after home is sold in a transaction that is not a "rollover" transaction
Insurance papers (all types of insurance):four years after expiration
Mortgage records:three years after paid off
Owners' manuals for appliances:until item is discarded
Receipts for major warranted purchases:until item is discarded or sold
Records supporting income tax returns and deductions (W-2s, 1099s, receipts):six years
Warranties and extended service agreements:until expiration

Throw Away (Shred):
Owners' manuals and warranties for appliances and cars you no longer own
Receipts for credit card purchases if not major or related to a tax deduction

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You are not behind! I don't want you to try to catch up; I just want you to jump in where we are. O.K.?

Great advice Ali! I go through my papers once every year and get rid of what needs to be gotten rid of!!

here is some encouragement from the FlyLady herself:

FlyLady here: The piles of paper just grow and grow. You feel overwhelmed.

Our habit this month (OCT) is to tackle the paper. If you will set your timer for 15 minutes and start sorting the hot spots of mail. Some can go to the shredder stack, some can go in the recycle bin and some can be put in your filing system.

It is never too late to start this habit. After all, paper is always coming into our homes.

You can do this!!