Ah, important papers. We all have them, birth certificates, social security cards, marriage licenses, insurance documents, the list goes on. And all are documents that are incredibly difficult (or even impossible) to replace. We may not need to access them very often, but when we do, we better be able to find them!

Today we are finding a permanent home for important documents as a part of our 10 week mission to conquer our paper clutter. We are going to make a home for every piece of paper in your life. Each Thursday, we’ll focus on a specific type of paper. You’ll also be able to link up your own progress each week.

To help guide us along the way we will be following the chapters in the eBook 10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa Woodruff. Don’t forget to enter our giveaway where you could win your own free copy of the eBook! *Giveaway ended

If week one’s tax document round up felt like a challenge,  this week we are taking it a little easier. So let’s jump in!

Collect

Collect all those important papers into one file, box, etc. It doesn’t matter too much as long as they are all together.

Here is a list to get you started:

• birth certificates
• death certificates
• social security cards
• marriage licenses
• passports
• car titles
• important health information like vaccinations
• degrees/diplomas

Now is also a perfect time to flag any missing documents. If you can’t find your passport or your Social Security card, add that to the top of your to do list. Take time to find it or replace it before you really need it.

Make a Permanent Home

Whether it’s in a fireproof safe, safe deposit box or by making copies to store at a friend or relatives house– be sure to keep these documents safe and all together and not mingling with other paper clutter. For more ideas and tips,  Bible Money Matters explains your options when safeguarding your important documents.

I have a file label labeled important papers and it is the very first file in my file drawer. It’s super easy to access so I could grab it if I ever need to dash out the door with only one thing (I think that is the wild fires of CA talking. I don’t even live in that type of area).

Relax

That is it. You don’t even have to sort by type since this file will be rarely used. Now you can relax knowing your family’s papers are in order in case of an emergency.

Let’s start with a few quick tips from the very author who got us started organizing our paper in the first place, Lisa Woodruff.

• 5 tips for Organizing the Papers in your Kitchen on Girlfriendology

• How to Decide What you Really Need to Keep by Barbara Hemphill

• Six things you can do right now to reduce paper clutter on Unclutterer

• iHeart Organizing’s Tips for going paperless

• Organizing a File Cabinet on A Bowl Full of Lemons

• My own steps for Taking Action on Everyday Paper

How do you keep all you important document in order? Link up below or share in the comments!

*Since the Organizing your Paper party has already wrapped up; you can browse any week!

• Week 1 Taxes
• Week 2 Important docs
• Week 3 Medical Paperwork
• Week 4 Archival- Focusing on Children’s Schoolwork
• Week 5 Manuals and Warranties
• Week 6 Home Binder
• Week 7 Project Basket
• Week 8 Action Files
• Week 9 Reference Files
• Week 10 Paper Managment

Grab a button to show off all your hard work too!

Next week we are diving into Medical Paperwork! Follow Thrifty Military Mommy or Space For Living via facebook, twitter, pinterest, or G+ to get all the updates!