Paperwork - How long do you keep things for ??

[IllegallyBrunette]

After a trip to the shops for folders, boxes, labels etc, I have just spent all day sorting out all of my paperwork.....I had loads and loads.

Anyway, I wasn't sure how long I should keep certain things for, like bank statements, water bills and statements etc. In the end I kept anything with 07/08 on.

Oh and what do you do with the inevitable pile of leftover 'stuff' that doesn't seem to fit into any category ? I was thinking of getting a box file for it ?

I think it's either 5 or 7 years for bank statements and anything else a tax inspector might have an interest in. However, you can request reprints of bank statements if needed

judging by my boxes of stuff, forever.

i have a box file that was very organised in about 1994. given up since.

5 years

Oh well, I have a years worth, that will have to do LOL.

Well, I am going to try really really hard to keep on top of this now as it took me so long to sort out.

I now have a folder for bills, bank statements etc, and then a folder for all child benefit, tax credit, other benefit stuff.

Then 2 slim box files, one for house stuff like instruction booklets, and one for bits and bobs like passports etc for me and the kids.

Also got a pocket thingy to put stuff in as it arrives, but I must go through it every night and file it all away

Oh and I got a little A4, 3 drawer thingy, drawer for each child for letters from school, brownies, guides etc to go in.