Clearing out Mother's stuff

[PrincessShmoo]

My sister & I are clearing out our Mother's storage unit. When throwing private papers away, do I need to worry about shredding them? Or can I just toss them in the dumpster? Most of it seems to be checks/statements/bills from over 30 years ago.

 

[Tozzie]

My sister & I are clearing out our Mother's storage unit. When throwing private papers away, do I need to worry about shredding them? Or can I just toss them in the dumpster? Most of it seems to be checks/statements/bills from over 30 years ago.

I would shred it, when my father passed away someone attempted to get credit cards in his name. It isn't something you want to deal with.

 

[Darcy03231]

You could also burn it if you have a place to do it safely. We have a wood burning stove and if there's a lot to be shredded we've found it easier to burn.

 

[maslex]

My dad passed away in July and my mom then moved to a different state to live with my sister. So we had to go through the entire house, not just his stuff and while going through the house, we shredded everything. He also had checks from MANY MANY years ago. It did take quite a while but we felt it had to be done that way.

Not sure if you have younger kids around, but my brother's boys did a lot of the shredding. They thought it was cool and it kept them busy while we did other stuff in the house.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My sister & I are clearing out our Mother's storage unit. When throwing private papers away, do I need to worry about shredding them? Or can I just toss them in the dumpster? Most of it seems to be checks/statements/bills from over 30 years ago.

I would shred financial & personal documents, esp. at a storage unit. People go dumpster diving there specifically to look for "treasures".

There are free shred days with cities, banks, etc...if you go looking for it. Or places like Office Depot or Office Max have shredding services.

 

[swandiverpatt]

Shred or burn.

We had to clear out my cousin's apartment after his death and he kept every piece of paper ever given to him (at least they were contained in plastic bins). Many of the old papers (paychecks, etc.) included social security numbers, so my advice is to just shred it all.

 

[DisneyMim]

My Mom died almost 2 years ago and she kept EVERYTHING!! So I know how you feel. I did shred important papers and also kept one large manila envelope of (what I thought) very important stuff. Yes it takes awhile to shred, but my husband and I thought it was best. Good luck and sorry for your lose. I still miss my mom every day.

 

[DebbieB]

I cleaned out my mom's stuff last year. I shredded any checks, checking statements, anything with ss#. I just threw out utility bills, they went back to the 90's. After I thought I was done, I found another box in the attic with stuff from the 80's! I still have them at my home, my HOA is having a shredding day in June, a truck comes and they shred it right there, you just need to contribute canned goods to the food bank.

 

[disykat]

You can also check for a shredding business in your area. Ours drops off a box (or you can pick it up,) you fill it, and then return it when you're ready. Our particular business is an employment opportunity for people with disabilities.

 

[runwad]

I called one of the credit reporting agencies when my mom died and sent in her death certificate. They then notified the other 2. That said there were some things I just threw away not worrying because it was recorded at the reporting agencies that she was deceased. I also took some to a free shredding day. But I suggest you contact one of the big 3 to note her account.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Thanks, everyone.

I guess we'll be looking for a shredding place, as there's really too much for our personal home shredders to handle.

 

[kwelch10377]

Thanks, everyone.

I guess we'll be looking for a shredding place, as there's really too much for our personal home shredders to handle.

If you have a Staples store near you they have a shredding service.