Checkboxes

If you still order and write checks, don’t throw away those little boxes that the checks came in. Shred the old checks but hold on to the boxes for small office supplies like pens, paper clips, or rolls of tape. The box and lid can be used individually.

Important Papers

This one might sound obvious, but if you’re going through your files and documents, ensure you know where the most essential pieces of paperwork are before you officially chuck anything. Some things you can’t purge.

This includes things like the deed to your home, birth certificates, and so on. Also, remember to save anything you might need for your taxes. The standard rule is three to seven years for any tax-related documents.

Professional organizers encourage going closer to the seven-year mark just to be on the safe side. It may sound like a pain to hold onto papers for that long. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. If space is indeed an issue, then digital storage is also a fantastic option.

Simply scan your documents onto a computer or hard drive to free up all that extra physical space. But remember to follow all the required security protocols and shred your originals for extra safety.