Here’s a common scenario - file cabinets and work desk drawers are filled with all sorts of papers. Productivity can be hampered by such clutter. Besides, it’s a total waste of storage space. Here’s a list of paper stuff that you can shred and throw away.

• Receipts for regular bills like utility bills that have been duly paid. As long as you don’t get any disconnection notices, throw them away.
• Receipts and warranty cards for items with expired warranties. Or for items that you no longer own.
• Expired licenses and membership cards. Those items with limited validity. Just be sure that you don’t need them for renewals.
• Paycheck slips once you’ve got your yearly W-2 form from your company.
• Likewise, monthly (or quarterly) account statements once you get a yearly summary.
• Canceled checks older than 6 months. Just make sure they’re not tax-deductible expenses, home home improvements or child support.
• Deposit slips that have been entered and cleared by the bank.
• Tax returns and supporting data that are more than six years old. Yeah, the IRS can audit you until six years back if you appear to have underreported by more than 25%. However, it can audit you from way way back if you’ve failed to file or made fraudulent reports.
• Records of investments you no longer own unless, of course, you need them for your tax returns.
• Credit card applications. You only need one credit card.

Just to make sure you shred these papers. You don’t know what measures identity thieves take just to get their next victim.

Unclutterer also posts this list on paper shredding.