How long do you have to keep paperwork?

We all collect paperwork over the years — bills, statements, letters. It can feel overwhelming, and it’s not always clear what’s safe to throw away and what you should hang onto.

The good news is, once you know what’s worth keeping (and for how long), clearing the clutter becomes much easier. Follow our simple guide to help you get organised and stay on top of your paperwork once and for all.

What paperwork should I keep?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide what to keep and what can go:

✅ Keep long term	📂 Keep for a few years	🗑 Can usually go once checked
Birth, marriage, death, and adoption certificates	Tax records (self-employed: 5–6 years)	Receipts (unless for warranty or tax purposes)
House deeds and mortgage paperwork	Utility bills (1 year minimum, longer if relevant for tax purposes)	Old insurance policies (unless required for claims)
P60s and P45s	Bank statements (2–3 years)	Credit card statements (after paid off and cleared, unless required for tax)
Wills and life insurance documents	Payslips (1–3 years, if not required for tax)	Rental contracts (can be shredded after tenancy ends)
Vehicle paperwork (MOT, service history), logbook (V5C)	Pension records and National Insurance details	Medical records (unless needed for future claims)
Loan/mortgage agreements	Insurance documents (keep until policy ends)	Old warranties (unless product is still under warranty)
Credit agreements (until debt is cleared + a few years)	Medical and vet records (if no longer needed for claims)

❗Remember: Always shred personal documents you no longer need to help protect yourself from identity fraud.

How long do you have to keep records for HMRC?

If you are self-employed, or submit tax documents for other reasons, you must keep your records for at least 5 years after the submission deadline. For self-employed individuals, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) can ask for up to 6 years of records if you’re audited.

Keep documents such as receipts, invoices, and bank statements during this period, as they may be needed for proof of claims or to correct mistakes.

How long do you have to keep p60s?

You should keep your P60s for at least six years, as HMRC can investigate tax records within this timeframe. If you're retired, it’s best to keep them indefinitely, as they may be useful for proving past income, pension entitlements, or tax queries.

How long should you keep bank statements?

Bank statements are typically needed for up to 2 years, especially if you need them as proof for loans, mortgages, or tax purposes. After that, you can consider going digital for most records, as banks now offer online statements.

Is it safe to throw away old bank statements?

Once you’re certain you no longer need a bank statement — for example, when they’re past the 2-year mark — it’s safe to dispose of them. However, make sure to shred any documents containing personal or financial information to protect yourself from identity theft.

How to store important documents at home

Once you’ve sorted your paperwork, it’s just as important to store it safely — especially things like birth certificates, wills, or house deeds.

Here are a few easy ways to keep important documents safe at home:

✅ Use a fireproof, waterproof box or safe – This helps protect your most valuable papers from damage.
✅ Label your folders clearly – Group things like car paperwork, insurance, and personal records so they’re easy to find.
✅ Keep digital backups where possible – Scan important documents and save them securely online or on a hard drive, just in case.
✅ Tell someone you trust where they’re stored – Especially things like your will or life insurance documents.

Taking time to store things properly means you won’t be hunting through piles of paper when you need something in a hurry.

Digital record keeping

In the digital age, managing paperwork doesn't have to mean keeping physical copies. Scanning and storing documents digitally can reduce clutter and make them easier to access.

Here’s how to keep your records digitally:

✅ Scan important documents: Use a scanner or app to create digital copies of key paperwork like birth certificates and tax records.
✅ Use cloud storage: Store your documents securely online (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) so they’re backed up and accessible anytime.
✅ Delete unneeded files: Once scanned, securely delete sensitive documents from your devices to protect against identity theft.
✅ Explore apps: Consider using document management apps for automatic organisation and storage of your records.

Digitally storing your important documents saves space and ensures easy access when you need them most.

Fancy more decluttering? Find out how to turn your clutter into cash.