Moving can be one of life’s most stressful tasks. There’s the packing, the organizing, the labeling, and of course, the tough decisions about what to keep and what to toss. But amidst all the chaos, have you considered what to do with those old documents piling up in your file cabinet? The ones you haven’t touched in years but aren’t sure you can just throw in the trash?

The truth is, moving day is the perfect opportunity to declutter your files and dispose of documents you no longer need. But here’s the catch—you can’t just throw them in the recycling bin. Many of those papers could hold sensitive personal or business information, and improper disposal can put you at risk for identity theft. Sounds scary, right? Don’t worry. This handy checklist can help you safely shred unneeded documents while making your move a breeze.

Reliable Shredding Service

1. Sort Through Your Files

Start by setting aside some time to go through your documents. Here’s the rule of thumb—keep what’s important and destroy what’s outdated or unnecessary. But how do you know what to shred?
Shred these: Old bank statements, credit card bills, tax records beyond seven years, medical records, expired IDs, old pay stubs, and anything with your Social Security number, account details, or any other personal data.

Keep these: Active insurance policies, recent tax returns (within seven years), current contracts, and documents of sentimental value like birth certificates or family writings.

Once you’ve sorted everything, get moving on that shred pile.

2. Categorize Your Papers for Easy Disposal

Don’t just toss everything in one chaotic pile. Keep it organized! Separate papers by category—financial records, old personal documents, medical paperwork, and so on. By grouping them, you’ll avoid accidentally shredding something important. Plus, when it’s time to hire a shredding service or use a personal shredder, it’ll be easier to handle.

Have you stumbled across old hard drives or electronic devices while cleaning up? Remember, these contain sensitive data too, so add them to your “secure destruction” pile.

3. Choose a Reliable Shredding Service

Sure, you could sit there feeding sheets into a home shredder, but honestly, who has time for that while moving? A professional shredding service like Proshred Orlando can save your sanity. They’ll securely dispose of your documents, ensuring your sensitive information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Go on-site or off-site? On-site shredding services shred your paper right in front of you, giving you peace of mind. Off-site services collect your documents and shred them later at their facility. Either is secure—just choose what works best for you.

Many services—even drop-off shredding locations—offer eco-friendly recycling options for your shredded paper. Win for security and win for the planet!

4. Check for Privacy Regulations

If you’re dealing with personal or business documents, you might need to follow specific data privacy laws. Regulations like HIPAA (for health records) or GLBA (for financial records) often apply. Don’t forget to ask if your shredding provider issues a Certificate of Destruction. This is proof that your documents were shredded securely—and it’s especially useful for businesses needing compliance records.

5. Plan Ahead for Shredding Day

Timing is everything. Schedule your shredding service close enough to moving day so it doesn’t interfere with packing but far enough in advance to avoid stress. It’s also a good idea to have a designated space in your home or office for all those shred-ready documents.

And while you’re tying up loose ends during your move, take a moment to think about how you’ll handle confidential documents in your new home or office. Having secure shredding practices in place going forward will keep your information safe and save you time down the road.

6. Don’t Forget Digital Files

Moving often forces us to sift through not only paper records but also old laptops, USB drives, and smartphones we’ve squirrelled away over the years. Make sure to securely wipe the data or work with a shredding company that offers hard drive destruction.

7. Recycle What’s Left

Once your shredding is taken care of, sort through any remaining non-sensitive paper. Items like printed recipes or magazines can go into your normal recycling bin if they don’t contain personal information. It’s a great way to lighten your load while reducing environmental impact.

 

Safeguard Your Move—and Your Identity

Moving day doesn’t need to be overwhelming—and tackling your document pile can actually make the process more freeing. Not only will you have less to pack and transport, but you’ll also know you’ve handled your information securely, leaving no secrets behind in the recycle bin for prying eyes.

By taking these steps and following a secure shredding plan, you can focus on your fresh start, knowing your personal and business information is safe. Happy moving—and happy shredding!