1. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER Lee Mahla www.getorderlee.com

2. PERSONAL RECORDS GUIDELINE SOURCE: NEW YORK TIMES

SALES RECEIPTS: Only needed for a specific purpose, i.e. Substantiating tax deductions, warranty repairs, to return defective merchandise, and receipts for major household items in the case of a property-insurance claim

UTILITY BILLS: Can be thrown away unless you claim home-office deductions

PAY STUBS: No need to hold the receipt attached to your paycheck once it's checked against the annual W-2 or you plan on buying a home. Save the final stub of the year since it contains tax related items that may qualify for tax deduction

TAX RECORDS: Save for at least 3yrs, preferably 6yrs.

HOME IMPROVEMENT TAX RECORDS: Keep permanently

BANK RECORDS: If you have space, keep monthly statements, canceled checks, and deposit slips for 10yrs.

CREDIT CARDS: Keep several years. Monthly statements can be discarded after checking they've been accurately computed and credited

PRODUCT WARRANTIES: Along with the sales slip should be kept through the life of the guarantee.