What To Leave And What To Shred When Moving: A Guide To Secure Paper Disposal

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get organized. As you pack up your belongings, you’ll likely come across stacks of documents, many of which you no longer need. But how do you decide what to keep and what to shred? At The ShredTruck, we provide secure paper shredding services to help you protect sensitive information during your move.

Here’s a guide to ensure your documents are handled safely and efficiently.

What Documents Should You Shred?

To protect yourself from identity theft and data breaches, it’s crucial to shred any document containing sensitive information. Here’s a list of items you should shred before moving:

1. Financial Records

Any document with your social security number, bank account number, credit card information, or other financial details should be shredded. This includes old bank statements, credit card statements, and canceled checks.

2. Old Medical Records

Medical records are not only personal but also contain sensitive information such as your name, address, and insurance details. Shred any outdated medical documents to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

3. Legal Documents

Documents such as wills, contracts, and court papers may contain private information that could be used for identity theft. Make sure to shred these items before moving.

4. Old Tax Documents

Tax forms, receipts, and other tax-related documents contain personal information that should be shredded to protect against identity theft. However, these documents often have a retention period, typically 3-7 years, depending on the type. After this time, they can be safely shredded.

5. Personal Correspondence

Personal letters, cards, and notes may seem innocent enough, but they can reveal sensitive details about your life. Be sure to shred any personal correspondence before moving.

6. Mail Junk and Receipts

Junk mail, flyers, and receipts often contain personal information such as your address, phone number, or email. Shred these items before moving to avoid exposing your details.

What Documents Can You Keep?

Not all documents need to be shredded. Here’s a list of items you can keep during your move:

1. Current Utility Bills and Statements

Keep any current utility bills or statements you may need for reference during the move. However, once you have updated your new address with service providers, it’s safe to shred old statements.

2. Household Papers

Items such as manuals, warranties, and receipts for household appliances can

3. Tax Returns

Keeping tax returns and supporting documents for at least seven years is generally recommended. This is important in case of an audit or if you need to file an amended return.

4. Official Documents

Documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and passports should be kept securely. These items are often needed for legal purposes and can be difficult to replace if lost or destroyed.

5. Property Deeds and Titles

Keep physical copies of property deeds and titles until you sell the property. These documents are necessary for proving ownership and any potential disputes that may arise.

6. Insurance Policies

Keep your insurance policies for all types of coverage, including home, auto, and health insurance. You never know when you may need to refer them back.

7. Warranties and Receipts

Keep warranties and receipts for major purchases, such as appliances or electronics. These documents may be useful if you need to make a claim or return an item.

Secure Paper Shredding Services

Statistics show that 60% of identity theft cases involve improperly disposed documents, but businesses can reduce security risks by up to 70% with professional shredding services. The Shred Truck has securely destroyed over 5 million records, providing unmatched reliability. Choosing The Shred Truck benefits you from on-site security as documents are shredded right before you, ensuring maximum confidentiality. Shredding service guarantees compliance by adhering to strict security protocols and providing a certificate of destruction for your records. With advanced shredding equipment, we ensure your documents are destroyed and irretrievable, giving you complete peace of mind.

How To Choose The Right Shredding Company For Your Move

Hiring a professional shredding company is essential when moving, but not all companies are created equal. Here are some things to consider when choosing a shredding service:

1. On-Site Shredding

Look for a company that offers on-site shredding services. This ensures your documents are destroyed in front of you, reducing the risk of information being compromised during transportation.

2. Compliance And Certifications

Ensure the company follows strict procedures and provides certificates of destruction for compliance purposes. Look for certifications such as NAID AAA certification, which guarantees high standards in document destruction.

3. Security Protocols

Ask about the security protocols in place to protect your documents during shredding. This includes background checks for employees, secure transportation of shredded materials, and proper disposal methods.

4. Reputation

Do your research and read reviews to ensure the company has a good reputation in the community. Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have used professional shredding services before.

Conclusion

Protecting sensitive information is crucial during a move, and professional shredding services can help ensure your documents are handled safely and securely. Knowing what documents to shred and what to keep can also save you time and reduce clutter in your new home. Choose The Shred Truck for reliable, on-site shredding services prioritizing confidentiality and compliance. Don’t let your personal information fall into the wrong hands during your move; trust The Shred Truck for secure document destruction. So, when you’re ready to declutter and downsize before your move, remember to shred any documents that contain sensitive information for a stress-free and safe transition. Stay proactive in protecting your identity and secure your peace of mind with professional shredding services from The Shred Truck. Don’t let moving become a security risk – choose The ShredTruck for all your document destruction needs.