Hiya

In order to reduce the amount of stuff we have to ship I've began to scan a lot of my old paper work. I consider myself a hoarder and have pretty much all my bank statements going back 15 years since I opened my first bank account. I know people say its good to take over there references (e.g. proof of 5 years no claims) but what about other paper work... is it really of any benefit? I wonder if say X many years/months bank statements might help prove something?

Also as an afterthought, I'm finding scanning and shredding to be rather exhilarating, a good spring (ehem winter!) clean. Have you ever needed to prove much by producing original documents in Canada? Going forward (i.e while living in Canada) I like the idea of scanning and shredding only keeping what is useful. How practical is this?

Anyone care to comment???

I can't see anything wrong with what you suggest except be very careful what "important" original documents you shred.

I have been amazed at how often original documents are required and my firm makes a fortune on notarizing such things. I am thinking about certificates here (obvious I know) but I have also been amazed at what documents I have been asked to notarize.

After having to prepare the immigration application and including proof of employment and addresses etc I understand the importance of these things. However, I think I go a bit OTT on it - 15 years worth of bank statements is a bit excessive really. I know that, but not really sure what is reasonable, i.e where to draw the line.

In the matter of bank statements I would just note the dates and banks involved. I'm sure the institutions have all your records on file and you could easily acquire copies if absolutely necessary. To transport 15 years of such paper so far is, I believe, not necessary.