Okay, I am really trying hard to declutter but it is so difficult for me. I inheirited this awful packratting thing from my mom, LOL. My worst problem is with paper. UGH, it is everywhere. I have a file cabinet, but it really doesn't help me.

Can anyone point me to a web site or tell me what I really need to keep? I keep everything just in case. How long should you keep things like bank statements, utility bills, receipts for purchases, tax related items, etc. etc?

I have piles and piles and piles, plus 3 drawers of a 4 drawer filing cabinet full. Yikes!

I will feel so much better once I can dig out of this mess. :)

Originally posted by hello1107
Can anyone point me to a web site or tell me what I really need to keep? I keep everything just in case. How long should you keep things like bank statements, utility bills, receipts for purchases, tax related items, etc. etc?



If you are keeping the receipts for tax purposes, 7 years.

If you stock pile magazines you can donate them to your local adult nursing home. Newspapers can be recycled.

I hope you are able to declutter. I find it cleansing, to my mind & spirit, to rid my home of clutter.

Take baby steps...tackle one thing at a time and you will not become overwhelmed.

Good luck!