338 | Office Series - What to do about paper | Reference materials

The 4 Categories of What to Keep as Reference

1. Identity & Legal

Documents that establish who you are:

Birth certificate

Passport

Social Security card

Marriage or divorce records

Name change documents

These are foundational and worth keeping accessible.

2. Financial & Tax

Documents tied to money and compliance:

Last 7 years of tax returns

Current-year financial records

Property deeds or titles

Insurance policies

Older financial paperwork is rarely needed beyond this window.

3. Medical

Documents that support continuity of care:

Vaccination records

Major diagnoses or procedures

Current insurance information

Stacks of old printouts are usually unnecessary.

4. Home

Documents related to the home you live in now:

Warranties for items you still own

Manuals you actually reference

Major repair or renovation records

If it doesn't support your current home, it likely doesn't need to stay.

If you want to go deeper and have support decluttering your home consistently, the year-long program is open. You can find all the details at declutteryourchaos.com.

✨Come home to yourself. ✨

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Office Series: What's Coming Next

Ep. 339 — Cords and Tech
How to identify mystery cords and old tech (including AI help) and release what no longer supports you.

Ep. 340 — Office Supplies and Computer Gear
Reducing duplicates, containing supplies, and creating a setup that actually supports your work.

Ep. 341 — Overview of Getting Things Done by David Allen (for declutttering)

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🛑 Disclaimer:

I am not a licensed therapist, counselor, or mental health professional. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or mental health concerns, please seek help from a qualified mental health provider for more helpful tips and updates.

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