Skip to content

Paperwork checklist

16 steps to get your household paperwork organized, safe and easy to find.

Track your progress with a free account Get the free Paperwork Starter Pack

Sort what you have

Keep the right things.

Put each tax year's return and papers in one folder or box Guide
Shred old statements and pay stubs you no longer need Guide
Gather home purchase and improvement records Guide
Find every vital record for everyone in the household Guide

Store it safely

Protected and backed up.

Put vital records in a fire and water resistant safe or a deposit box Guide
Scan key documents into seven named folders Guide
Back up scans in two places, with two-step login on Guide
Shred anything with account or ID numbers before recycling Guide

Keep it organized

Small habits.

Set up an inbox tray and seven folders Guide
Empty the inbox once a week Guide
Put a yearly paperwork purge on the calendar Guide
Photograph receipts for big purchases Guide

Ready for your family

So someone else can find it.

Create an emergency binder Guide
Write a letter of instruction Guide
Prepare a go-bag folder of document copies Guide
Tell someone you trust where everything is Guide