Bank statements

Should not be destroyed too hastily, especially if you can use them to prove that an invoice has been paid or debits have been made for a rental contract or insurance. As invoices generally lose their validity after three years, the corresponding account statements should only be disposed of after this period. However, as the retention period only begins at the end of the year in which the invoice was issued, it makes sense to keep the statements for four years. Then you are on the safe side.

Receipts for inventory

Whether furniture, jewelry, expensive electronics, etc. - it is best never to dispose of receipts for these items, but always file these documents immediately. Keep them with a photo. This can be very important for the insurance company in the event of a claim.

Employment contracts

or payslips, references and appraisals should be documented until you retire. This way you can prove and justify everything in the event of discrepancies.

Tax documents

Please archive notices from the tax office for ten years and related documents such as invoices for six years.

Tradesmen

Invoices from tradesmen must be kept for two years. This is required by the law to combat illegal employment.

Tenancy agreement

After moving out, keep it for six months. The landlord may make claims for repairs or renovations up to this period.

Family register

or birth certificate and baptismal certificate should be kept for life. The same applies to medical reports, diagnoses, x-rays and findings. Side effect: relatives can pass the documents on to doctors in an emergency.

Health insurance receipts

These should be kept for two years in any case, if only because of the statutory warranty and replacement.

Policies

Keep insurance certificates and correspondence for as long as the policy is valid or a claim has been settled.

Subscriptions

Keep documents relating to subscriptions for notice periods as long as the subscription is valid.

Organizing tip:

Make small piles. Create a folder for each area. For example, salary, pension, tax, car ... Once you have done this, you will have a basic order. Then it's just a matter of staying on the ball regularly.