If you’ve ever stood over a pile of old papers thinking, “Do I really need to shred all of this?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear.
The short answer?
Yes play it safe and shred everything… there is more information on many different types of documents than you realize.
The Surprising Truth About Your Paper
Here’s something that catches most people off guard:
👉 More than 50% of the documents you create or receive contain some form of personal or sensitive information that should be securely destroyed.
Think about your typical mail pile or office paperwork:
- Bank statements
- Medical records
- Insurance forms
- Pay stubs
- Shipping labels
- Old tax documents
- Even junk mail with your name and address
It adds up fast.
And it matters—because identity theft is not slowing down.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S.
- Someone becomes a victim every 4.9 seconds
- Millions of reports are filed each year with the Federal Trade Commission
- Nearly 1 in 10 Americans experience identity theft annually
And here’s the key point:
👉 Many cases start with stolen documents containing personal information
That means your trash can (or recycling bin) can become a goldmine for the wrong person.
What Documents Should Always Be Shredded?
A good rule of thumb:
If it contains your name + any additional detail, shred it.
Definitely Shred:
- Documents with Social Security numbers
- Bank account or credit card information
- Medical or insurance records
- Tax returns and financial statements
- Employee or client records
- Legal documents
Also Worth Shredding:
- Anything with your address + account info
- Pre-approved credit offers
- Shipping labels
- Old IDs, boarding passes, or prescriptions
What You Probably Don’t Need to Shred
Not everything requires shredding. Some items are safe to recycle:
- Plain flyers or advertisements (no personal info)
- Newspapers and magazines
- Blank or unused paper
But here’s the catch…
Even “junk mail” often contains enough information to be useful to a fraudster.
So when in doubt — shred it.
Why Professional Shredding Makes a Difference
Let’s be honest—home shredders are great… until:
- They jam
- They overheat
- Or you realize you have 15 boxes to go through
That’s where FileShred comes in.
With on-site shredding, your documents are destroyed:
- Right at your home or office
- Before the truck leaves your location
- While you can watch the entire process
No guessing. No risk. No hassle.
A Smarter Way to Think About It
Instead of asking:
❌ “Do I need to shred everything?”
Start asking:
✅ “Could this document be used to identify me or someone else?”
If the answer is even maybe — it belongs in the shred pile.
Final Thoughts
The reality is simple:
- Over half the documents we handle contain sensitive information
- Identity theft is increasing every year
- And the easiest way to protect yourself is also the simplest
👉 Shred what matters before someone else gets the chance to use it.
Need Help? FileShred Makes It Easy
Whether you have a few boxes at home or years of business records, FileShred offers:
- One-time purge shredding
- Ongoing scheduled service
- Residential and business solutions
- Next-day service (Monday–Saturday)
- Friendly, local professionals who answer the phone
One call gets you a quote and an appointment.
Because protecting your information shouldn’t be complicated—it should be done.
If you’re staring at a pile of paper right now wondering what to do…
