We’ve all been there. We werecleaning house and suddenly we foundourselvestrying to decide which papers to throw out and which to keep. We came across a few papers that we thought about shredding but startedwondering if we should keep them instead. Pretty soon those few papers become a hundred, and now we are walking through a bunch of papers,wonderingwhy they werethere in the first place. Here are a few tips for deciding whether to start shredding papers or saving them.
Secure digital copiesbefore shredding papers
This should be one of the easiest things to decide. Consider if your paper has any digital versions that are currently on your laptop or hard-drive. Before you begin shredding papers, check to make surethat your digital files are in tact. Also, see if they are properly duplicated. If that digital file becomes your only copy, we wouldn’t want that disappearing. We at Shred With Us offer document storage, both digital and physical through Master-Vault. However, perhaps you might not want to stick with digital if the paper copy means something more than just the information. And that leads us to our second point.
Do the papers have sentimental value?
This is often one of the first things we consider when shredding papers from the past. We see something that is either related to our childhood, family, or a special event in our lives. But one thing we need to consider is whether or not we are being reasonable. Is this a real memory or is it something that vaguely brings on a memory? Perhaps a picture of old friends from high school might be necessary, but maybe your 11th grade English exam wouldn’t be.
Are they useful for the future?
The whole point of storing something is to hold them for future use, whether it is for you or for someone else. However, sometimes we store things without actually thinking about whether or not we will need them. Seriously sit down and consider ifyour old notes are essential for the future. Some things would probably be useful based on their value. However, other times we need to exercise some self-discipline, and start shredding papers that we canhappily survive without.
No matter what the document is, Shred with Us will provide the most convenient mode of destruction. Whether it isonsite, offsite, or even electronic media destruction,cleaning up your worries is our speciality.
