Hi I am moving back to Italy in a couple fo weeks, and I'd like to figure out which documents I am taking with me and which ones can be shredded.
I think I'll carry with me anything relative to VISA and taxes.
But how about old payslips, statements of closed bank/cc accounts, utilities bills, phone bills and such? DO I need to keep them or they can be thrown away?
I might keep one of some things... maybe your last payslip, utility bill, etc., in case you needed to demonstrate your credit-worthiness when you move. But I'd toss your old statements of bank accounts and credit cards, since I can't think of a situation where you'd need them. Just make sure you have copies of your current ones, and you'll probably be alright.
The simple answer is keep seven years' worth of records, but in reality, your bank and employers should be able to provide duplicates to you if you ever needed to look up a pay stub from 2002. (I agree with EuroDaisy on the likelihood of ever needing this stuff again).
Some of my utility and other bills are tax-related, but I tend to keep only about 2-3 years worth. Credit card statements I keep longer, I don't know why.
For closed accounts, maybe keep the closing statement and nothing else, just in case you need to prove you closed it?
Check online too - I know there are guidelines for different kinds of records.