Homeowner's Checklist: Receipts to Save

Organizing paperworkPaper organizationHome organization

Aug 17

Home-Related Documents to Keep:

The one thing we all agree on is that we have too much paperwork and it’s a giant pain to figure out what is worth keeping and what to toss.

After surviving a fire, a sinkhole, and a rogue tree smashing our house (fine, one tree), I’ve learned: organize your home’s paperwork or regret it. It’s your shield when chaos hits. 😅 Here’s how to tame the paper beast, whether you’re nesting or buried in receipts.

Get a System: Use a file drawer or portable bin with these folders:

House Receipts: Keep receipts for big purchases—furniture, appliances, art. They’re proof for insurance or warranties. Fading receipt? Scribble the date and price in the manual. Toss small stuff like pillow receipts from Home Goods. If they were created custom for you then definitely keep the receipt.
Home Renovation: Major reno? Bundle manuals, specs, and receipts in one folder (or bin for giant projects). Single upgrades like floors or shutters? Save those, too. They boost your home’s sale price and track contractors.
Home Repairs: File big repair records—HVAC, plumbing, or leak fixes. They show appliance history, back warranty claims, or scream “replace me!” when needed.
Insurance: Store your policy, claim history, and agent’s number. It’s your VIP pass when begging insurers to cover that tree’s tantrum or dryer fire.
Home Purchase: Keep your deed, title, and mortgage docs. They’re your home’s birth certificate. Typically they are legal size and don’t fit well in a file drawer but they should fit on the bottom or in a separate drawer.

What to Toss: Ditch monthly pest or lawn receipts. Keep the contract, skip the clutter.

Pro Tip: Scan key docs and back them up on a secure cloud or USB. Oh, and get a fireproof safe—trees and sinkholes don’t play nice. 🌳

What to do with all of the old papers that you no longer need? Trash, recycle or shred. Bottom line: if it has personal information on it you can feel safe shredding it.

Home-Related Documents to Shred:

Old Utility Bills:
- Examples: Electricity, water, gas, or internet bills.
- When to Shred: After one year, unless needed for tax deductions (e.g., home office expenses) or proof of address for a specific claim.
- Why: These often contain account numbers or personal details that could be exploited if not securely disposed of.
Routine Maintenance or Service Contracts:
- Examples: Pest control, lawn care, or minor repair agreements (e.g., one-time plumbing fixes).
- When to Shred: Once the contract expires or the service is complete, unless tied to a warranty or major home system (e.g., HVAC maintenance records, which you might keep longer as we discussed for service history).
- Why: Expired contracts typically have no legal or practical value and may contain personal info.
Paid Home-Related Bills:
- Examples: Invoices for minor repairs, cleaning services, or small home improvements.
- When to Shred: After payment is verified and no disputes remain, typically within a year, unless the expense is tax-deductible or tied to a warranty.
- Why: Reduces clutter and eliminates documents with account or personal details.
Expired Home Insurance Policies:
- Examples: Old homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy documents.
- When to Shred: After the policy expires and is replaced by a new one, unless needed for a claim or dispute.
- Why: Outdated policies are no longer relevant but may contain sensitive information like your address or policy numbers.
Junk Mail Related to Home Services:
- Examples: Solicitations for home improvement services, mortgage refinancing offers, or pre-approved home equity loan forms.
- When to Shred: Immediately, as they’re not essential records.
- Why: Often contains barcodes, account numbers, or personal details that pose an identity theft risk.