Shred This: 10 Documents to Shred After Kids Grow Up

July 5, 2025

If your child is now an adult, chances are you’ve got drawers, bins, or even boxes full of paperwork with their name on it. From preschool report cards to immunization records, it’s easy to feel like you need to save everything—just in case. But clutter can pile up fast, and not all of it needs to stay in your files forever. In fact, holding onto certain records may put your family at risk for identity theft or outdated legal issues. Knowing which documents to shred after your kids grow up can help you declutter confidently and safely.

Some records are worth keeping, while others have long outlived their usefulness. Here’s a breakdown of 10 types of documents to shred once your children no longer need them.

1. Old Report Cards and Progress Notes

While it’s fun to keep a few sentimental items, holding on to every school report from kindergarten through high school isn’t necessary. These papers rarely serve a future purpose and often contain full names, addresses, or school details. If your child is well into adulthood, it’s time to recycle or shred these. Save one or two for memory boxes and dispose of the rest. Keeping a digital photo can help preserve the memory without taking up space.

2. Outdated Medical Records

Doctors and specialists maintain long-term health records, so you don’t need to keep every pediatric visit summary or dental reminder. Once your child becomes an adult and manages their own care, these documents to shred can include old appointment notes and growth charts. Retain major diagnoses or vaccination proof until they’ve been transferred to adult care. But routine checkup records can go. Always shred these to protect private health information.

3. Expired Health Insurance Cards

If your child was once listed on your health plan, you probably have several years’ worth of outdated insurance cards tucked away. After they age out or get their own plan, there’s no reason to keep these. They often include member ID numbers and other sensitive details. This makes them prime targets for identity theft if left lying around. Cross-cut shred all expired cards for safety.

4. School Registration Forms

These forms can contain full names, birthdates, emergency contacts, and even social security numbers. Once your child is no longer in school or you’re done transferring them between districts, these documents to shred lose their usefulness. Hold onto any that verify homeschooling if needed for legal purposes. But anything else, especially forms over a decade old, can safely be shredded.

5. Daycare Applications and Contracts

Daycare paperwork may seem harmless, but many include banking info for automatic payments or personal family data. Once your child is far removed from that stage of life, there’s no legal or practical reason to keep them. Like school forms, these can reveal too much about your family. If it’s not part of your tax records, it’s ready to go through the shredder.

6. Copies of Old IDs or Student Cards

Lost a student ID at some point and printed a temporary one? Many parents stash those copies “just in case.” Years later, these items are useless and can create unnecessary risks. These documents to shred may include photos, full names, schools, and ID numbers. Always shred photo IDs to keep them from being misused.

7. Old College Applications and FAFSA Forms

Applying to college is a paper-heavy process, but once your child is graduated or settled in adult life, it’s time to sort through the archives. Admission essays, recommendation letters, and financial aid applications have outlived their purpose. FAFSA forms often include sensitive financial details and should always be shredded. Save only the final acceptance letters or diplomas.

8. Expired Passports or Travel Documents

Expired travel documents like minor passports or international student visas are better off shredded if they won’t be renewed. They contain personal identification data that could be used for fraud. If your child is now traveling independently, they’ll be managing their own documentation. Unless required for dual citizenship or immigration history, most expired travel documents should be destroyed.

9. Insurance Claims from Childhood Injuries

Did your child break an arm at age five or need stitches after a playground fall? You may have a file of insurance claims and receipts for those events. Once the statute of limitations has passed and there’s no ongoing care, these documents to shred no longer need to be stored. Shred anything that includes insurance policy numbers or medical diagnoses.

10. Duplicate Birth Certificates or Social Security Card Copies

It’s wise to have a backup, but five copies of your child’s birth certificate or Social Security card floating around can be risky. Keep one secure copy and shred the extras. These are prime targets for identity theft, and having too many copies only increases exposure. Store originals in a locked, fireproof safe, and shred what you don’t absolutely need.

Decluttering With Purpose: Make Room, Reduce Risk

Letting go of old paperwork tied to your child’s early years can feel emotional, but it also creates breathing room in your home and reduces security risks. By identifying which documents to shred, you protect your family’s private information and make space for what really matters. Save the memories, not the clutter.

Have you tackled your old file cabinets yet? Which documents were hardest to part with—or most surprising to find? Share your decluttering wins in the comments!

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