Leave Home: Don't

Dealing with paper clutter can feel like an endless battle, but you can simplify your home life by following a few clear rules for what to keep and what to shred. The general goal for a minimalist home, as suggested by The Minimal Mom , is to that isn't absolutely essential. What to Keep (The "Golden" Papers)

: Official ownership documents like titles, deeds, and wills. Don't Leave Home

A lot of paper enters our homes only to become "delayed decisions". To stop the piles from growing, immediately toss or shred: Dealing with paper clutter can feel like an

: Keep 7 years of tax returns. For most regular filers, this doesn't need to include every single receipt. A lot of paper enters our homes only

: Maintenance of current medical records for each family member is helpful for quick reference. What to Shred or Toss

You really don't need as much as you think. Most experts, including those from Reddit's decluttering community , agree that your essential paper footprint for a standard household should be less than an inch thick.

: Keep birth/death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, and passports in a secure fire-safe bag or safe.