The documents every UK household should keep
A simple checklist of the paperwork worth keeping — and how long to keep it — so you can find the right document the moment you need it.
On this page
You don’t need to keep everything — you need to keep the right things, and be able to find them fast. Here’s the household checklist.
What to keep
| Category | Examples | Roughly how long |
|---|---|---|
| Identity & certificates | Passports, birth/marriage certificates, driving licence | Permanent (reorder if lost) |
| Property | Deeds, tenancy agreement, mortgage papers | While relevant + a few years |
| Vehicle | V5C logbook, MOT & service history, insurance | While you own it |
| Money & protection | Pension, life insurance, investment statements | Permanent / while active |
| Tax & income | Payslips, P60s, tax returns | Keep for the periods HMRC expects |
| Bills & statements | Utilities, bank, credit card | A couple of years |
| Legal & family | Wills, power of attorney, guarantees & warranties | Permanent / while valid |
Make it findable
Keep secure copies, note where the originals live, and make sure a trusted person could locate the essentials in an emergency.
In short
Keep what proves who you are, what you own, and what you owe or are owed. Hold permanent records (certificates, wills, deeds) forever and rolling records (bills, statements) for a few years — and make sure they’re organised so you, and your partner, can find them instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I keep bills and statements?
As a rule of thumb, keep utility bills and bank statements for a couple of years, and anything tax-related for longer — HMRC generally expects individuals to keep tax records for at least 22 months after the tax year, and the self-employed longer. Check GOV.UK for your situation.
What should I never throw away?
Permanent records: birth/marriage/death certificates, wills, property deeds, and pension and life-insurance documents. If lost, some (like certificates) can be reordered from GOV.UK, but it takes time and money.
Paper or digital?
Digital copies are easy to search and share and survive floods and fires — but keep originals of legal documents safe too. Whatever you choose, make sure a trusted person knows where to find them.
Sources & last checked
- Keeping your pay and tax records — GOV.UK / HMRC
- Order a copy of a birth, death or marriage certificate — GOV.UK
Last checked against official sources: 9 July 2026.