How long do you keep bills etc for?

[Mummysaysno]

Been having a sort out...found lots of old utility bills/bank statements from 2008 which I binned. In my mind, I think keeping for three years is sensible...how long do other people keep bills for?

Ooh I chuck them after a year. Any reason why I should keep them for longer?

I keep for six years but I'm not sure why - I don't tend to get any physical bills/statements anymore, they're all online. I'd imagine in the next few years, the pile of crap, I mean, paperwork, that constantly clutters my desk will disappear entirely.

Til bin day. I always have a bill dated in the last three moths for proof of address but don't see the need to keep them all

Thanks all! At least no one said more than three years!

3 years, but been switching over to paperless billing.

Oh no, I keep everything for ever. Imagine my house when I'm 90 .

I think what worries me is things like PPI claims as I imagine it would be easier if you have the paperwork. Saying that DH made a PPI claim without any, and it was all fine. Maybe I should re-consider...

My DH would keep things forever...he came home after my clear out yesterday and broke out in a cold sweat seeing DHL envelopes I'd put in the bin...for him there is even a value in keeping the bill in the envelope....in a pile...next to another pile...

I've switched most bills to paperless now.
I used to keep for years but realised space is just too precious, so just one years worth, though I might scan anything I think is important to keep a record of.

I thought we were supposed to go case inland revenue ever needed proof of something. I've got 3 years in my head. . . or if you need to challenge an energy supplier (we found out in one flat we were saying the wrong flats gas!)

We put regular bills into a box as they come, then when full date and put the box away. We've rarely needed to go through but also haven't had to meticulously file.

For a year, anything more than that would take up too much room!