Offices fill up fast. Drawers get stuffed with old bank statements, expired tax records, and files containing sensitive information most people forget even exist. 

But holding on too long, or tossing them in the bin, can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to personal information.

So, what's the smarter move? Many businesses in ST Louis now turn to document shredding services. It's not just about clearing space, it's about keeping data safe. 

If you're thinking of shredding documents for the first time, this guide will help you prepare, stay compliant with document retention rules, and keep your confidential information protected from identity thieves.

What to Shred?

Before anything else, you need to know what's worth shredding. Most people only think about financial papers, but sensitive documents come in many forms.

Anything that includes personal information, like your name, address, phone number, or ID number, can be misused. But that's just the start. Businesses should also look out for:

  • Bank statements
  • Pay stubs
  • Medical bills
  • Tax records
  • Employee files
  • Client contracts
  • Invoices and receipts
  • Utility bills
  • Pre-approved credit offers

Even old junk mail with a barcode or tracking number might expose details that identity thieves look for. If it has data you wouldn't share publicly, it's best to securely dispose of it through professional shredding.

Don't forget about digital printouts, notes from meetings, or project outlines. Sometimes even a simple document can hold confidential information.

How Much Do You Have to Shred?

This depends on how long you've been saving documents without a system. If it's your first time doing a big clear-out, you might be surprised by how many stacks of paper you've gathered.

For example:

  • A small office might have a few boxes stored away
  • A mid-sized business could fill up a storage room
  • Large companies often have entire archives to go through

In any case you don't need to measure every page. Just gather the papers, keep them separate from your daily work, and let professional mobile shredding services handle the rest.

Step By Step The Shredding Process

Once you've sorted what needs to go, the next step is making sure everything is shredded the right way. 

Here's how it usually works:

Reach Out to a Shredding Company

Start by contacting a local document shredding ST Louis service provider. They can help you figure out what kind of service you need. Some even give you an estimate based on how many boxes you have.

However, the goal is to find someone who handles sensitive information carefully, offers proof of destruction, and shows up on time.

Choose On-Site or Off-Site

You'll usually have two options:

  • On-site shredding means a mobile unit comes to your location. A shredding truck parks outside, and your papers are destroyed then and there. Some trucks even have a screen so you can watch the process happen.
  • Off-site shredding means the company picks up your documents and takes them to their facility to shred in bulk. Both options are secure—it just depends on what makes you more comfortable.

Sort, Save, or Scan

Before shredding, take a few minutes to sort your papers. Group them by type, like financial records, employee files, or contracts—and check if anything needs to be kept longer for legal reasons. 

If you still need the info but not the paper, scan it and save it digitally using secure storage. This keeps your data safe and your office clutter-free.

Prep Without Stress

No need to overthink prep. Most shredding companies don't require you to remove staples or paper clips. Just put the documents in boxes or bins. Make sure they're separate from regular waste. You don't want important files ending up in the wrong pile.

Label anything if needed, especially if you're only shredding certain categories like old tax records, pay stubs, or medical bills.

The Shred Day

On the day of disposal, when the team arrives, walk them through where everything is kept. They'll handle the collection from there. If you've stored your papers in bins or boxes, they'll remove the contents carefully and leave your containers behind. The process is quick, and you won't need to lift a finger.

If it's on-site, the shredding happens right outside your office. If it's off-site, they'll lock everything in containers and take it to their secure facility.

The workers won't read your papers. They handle them with care, and it all goes straight into the machine. It's fast, quiet, and efficient.

Get Your Certificate

Once the job is done, the company gives you a certificate of destruction. This confirms that your confidential information was safely shredded. It's especially useful if your business needs to prove compliance or keep records of secure disposal.

Eco-Friendly Finish

Many providers don't stop at shredding. They also recycle the shredded paper. It's one more reason to feel good about the process. You protect your data, and shredding helps save the environment while you're at it.

Experience Secure Disposal With Document Shredding Services

Getting rid of old documents doesn't have to be complicated. With the right steps and using professional shredding services, you can protect your information and free up valuable space.

Whether it's a one-time purge or a regular routine, shredding the right way helps prevent identity theft, keeps your business compliant, and even supports the environment.

In the end, shredding isn't just about cleaning up, it's about protecting what matters.