How to sort out your paperwork

Narrow down paperwork to the essentials that must be kept and sort into relevant categories.

• Bin all old leaflets, catalogues and junk mail that isn't of interest.
• Check shopping receipts and cash machine slips against your bank/credit card statements, and shred any that you don't need to keep.

What to keep in your files

Have a file for each of the following - some may need to be sub-divided into plastic sleeves

• Statements from banks and building societies, credit-card bills
• Car - MOT certificates, registration and insurance documents (separate files for each vehicle)
• Employment records, payslips, pension information and tax returns
• Family - one file for each child with health and school records, etc
• Property - mortgage papers, building warranties
• Instruction manuals and warranties for appliances (bin any for items you no longer own)
• Insurance policies - separate into buildings, contents, health, travel
• Medical cards
• Bills - separate into gas, electricity, water, telephone and broadband, council tax, TV licence, etc
• Miscellaneous correspondence - keep an extra A-Z file for this

What to keep in a fireproof box or cabinet

Hard-to-replace documents should be stored securely, such as:

• Certificates of birth, marriage, divorce, custody/adoption and death
• Diplomas, qualifications and examination certificates
• House insurance policy details - key information in case of emergency
• Your will - keep a copy at home
• Passports and visas
• Share certificates and savings books

What to keep at your solicitor's office

• House deeds
• Original copies of your current will