Director's Message
Clutter March 2005Clutter Are you drowning in paper? Not sure where it all comes from or what to do with it all? How long should you keep "important" papers? It seems like the mailbox brings in more paper every year, and the newspapers have more inserts, and everything comes with attached documents. Wasn't the computer age supposed to reduce the amount of paper in our lives and save trees?
The accumulation of paperwork can be overwhelming. It makes the prospect of downsizing your home daunting. It can also be dangerous, when the piles of paper accumulate near the radiators or stove, or when an emergency arises and you can't find documents you need.
The first suggestion on coping with paperwork is to try to adopt the "two touch" rule: when the mail comes in, immediately sort it into the trash, the pieces to look over more carefully, and the really important papers. Trash goes immediately into recycling. Don't look at it again. The next time you have some time between activities, pick up the middle pile, browse and resort into trash or important. The important things need to be dealt with as soon as possible; pay the bills, file the documents, etc.
The second suggestion is to have a good filing system. Use labeled colored file folders to visually sort bills, medical records, warranties, and so on. Keep emergency information in a file that is so obvious that any family member can locate it. Clean out the files regularly.
The third suggestion is to come hear the Brown Bag presentation by Linda Richter of Paperwork Solutions on "The State of Your Affairs" on March 18 at noon. Linda helps people who need individual coaching or assistance with sorting the clutter in their lives.
You might also find helpful the following guide on how long to keep things from "How to Cut Clutter" from Good Housekeeping, February 1996.
Accident reports: 7 years
Bank Statements: 3 years
Cancelled Checks: 3 years
Car records: until car is sold or lease expires
Credit Card Receipts: Until verified on statement
Insurance Policies: For the life of the policy
Legal Documents: Forever in fireproof box
Medical bills: 3-4 years
Mortgages, deeds, leases: 6 years beyond life of agreement
Patents, trademarks registrations, copyrights: forever
Pay stubs: Until reconciled with W-2
Property Records: Until property is sold or 6 years if tax related
Retirement & Pension records: Forever
Sales Receipts: Life of warranty, store return, or 6 years if tax related
Stock and Bond records: 6 years beyond sale date
Tax returns and related items: 6 years
Utility bills: 6 years if tax related, 1 year otherwise
Warranties and Instructions: as long as you own the product
Other bills: Until payment verified or 6 years if tax related.
Susan W. Hoskins LCSW |
Previous MessagesJune 2013 - Age Friendly Communities June 2013 - Age Friendly Communities May 2013 - Navigating a Changing HealthCare Landscape March 2013 - Navigating Life’s Transitions February 2013 - Partners in Caring Princeton January 2013 - Men as Caregivers December 2012 - The Safety Net October 2012 - Documenting Your History September 2012 - A Journey of Transformation July - August 2012 - Gratitude & Moving March 2012 - Patient-centered Care February 2012 - Can you Spare an Hour? January 2012 - Challenges & Opportunities December - Are you Prepared for Emergencies? October - Chocolate for Memory September- Looking Back and Looking Forward Lessons and Legacies, March 2011 Independent Living February 2011 Witness to my Life December 2010 Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010 Strategic Planning September 2010 Hiring Home Care December 2009 Annual Giving by Sharon Naeole November 2009 Flu Pandemic 2009 October 2009 Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009 A Personal Perspective on Caregiving July/August 2009 Wei Ji: Crisis, Danger and Opportunity April 2009 Write your own obituary March 2009 Hope and Vision in Challenging Times Medicare Changes 2008: Take A Look! December 2008 Scams, Frauds and Rip-offs November 2008 Engaged Retirement: Beyond Financial Planning October 2008 September 2008 Caregiver Dilemmas Finding Rhythm and Purpose July/August 2008 V + OA = ER (Volunteering + Older Americans=Engaged Retirement)May 2008 Have You Had the Talk Yet? March 2008 Get Moving with FitRhythms™! February 2008 What Are Social Services? November 2007 Plan for the Future September 2007 The Up-side of Aging Summer 2007 National Conference on Aging: Let's ReThink Aging April 2007 Season of Giving December 2006 April Hill McElroy October 2006 Civic Engagement September 2006 White House Conference on Aging May 2006 Are You Prepared? October 2005 Watch Your Language September 2005 The End of the Journey May 2005 New Dietary Guidelines February 2005 Civic Engagement with GrandPals October 2004 The Challenge of Giving Care May 2004 Seniors On The Move April 2004 Random Acts of Kindness December 2003 Civic Engagement November 2003 |