What Receipts Should Homeowners Keep? (2026 Guide)
The simple, definitive guide to which home receipts matter — and how long to keep them.
Lost receipts = lost money. Whether it's a warranty claim, an insurance reimbursement, a tax deduction, or proving value at resale — the right documentation can save you thousands. The wrong approach (keeping nothing, or keeping everything in a shoebox) leaves you exposed.
This guide breaks down exactly which receipts to keep, which to discard, how long to retain them, and why digital storage is the only approach that makes sense in 2026.
Receipts You Should ALWAYS Keep
These receipts have real financial value — for warranties, insurance claims, tax deductions, and proving home value at resale.
Major Home Appliances
Keep receipts for all major appliances: refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, ovens, microwaves, and any other significant purchases.
Why: Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims. Also valuable for insurance claims and resale documentation.
Installation & Professional Service
Keep receipts for any professional installation, repairs, or service calls — especially for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work.
Why: Required for some warranty claims. Shows proper installation and maintenance history. Can support insurance claims.
Renovation & Home Improvement Receipts
Keep all receipts for renovations, upgrades, and improvements: kitchen remodels, bathroom updates, flooring, landscaping, and additions.
Why: These increase your home's cost basis, reducing capital gains taxes when you sell. Also valuable for insurance valuations.
HVAC & Plumbing Repairs
Keep receipts for furnace repairs, AC service, water heater maintenance, pipe repairs, and any plumbing work.
Why: Demonstrates maintenance history. Critical for warranty claims. Helps justify replacement timing.
Electrical Work & Panel Upgrades
Keep receipts for any electrical work: panel upgrades, outlet installations, rewiring, and electrical repairs.
Why: May be required for insurance. Valuable for resale (buyers want to know electrical is up to code).
Roofing, Siding, Windows & Exterior Work
Keep receipts for roof repairs or replacements, siding, window installations, gutters, and any exterior improvements.
Why: Major insurance value. Roofing receipts can lower insurance premiums. Essential for resale.
Smart Home Systems & Security
Keep receipts for smart thermostats, security systems, cameras, smart locks, and home automation equipment.
Why: Warranty claims. Insurance documentation. Some systems may qualify for insurance discounts.
Receipts You Do NOT Need to Keep
Don't clutter your filing system (physical or digital) with receipts that have no long-term value:
- ✗Consumables: Light bulbs, cleaning supplies, air filters, batteries
- ✗Small decor items: Candles, picture frames, throw pillows, small rugs
- ✗Everyday household items: Dishes, utensils, towels, bedding (unless high-value)
- ✗Groceries and perishables: No long-term documentation value
- ✗Minor repairs under $50: Unless part of a larger project
Rule of thumb: If it's replaceable for under $100 and has no warranty, you probably don't need the receipt.
How Long Should Receipts Be Kept?
| Receipt Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Major appliances | For the life of the appliance (or until sold) |
| HVAC equipment | For the life of the equipment |
| Home improvements & renovations | Indefinitely (until you sell the home) |
| Roofing, windows, siding | For the life of the materials (often 20+ years) |
| Repair & service receipts | 3–7 years (or until appliance is replaced) |
| Warranty documents | Until warranty expires + 1 year |
| Smart home & security systems | For the life of the system |
Why Digital Storage Is Best
Paper receipts fade, get lost, and burn in fires. Digital storage solves all of these problems:
Searchable
Find any receipt instantly by appliance, date, or vendor — no digging through folders.
Attached to Appliances
Link receipts directly to specific appliances or properties for instant context.
Can't Be Lost
Cloud storage means your receipts survive fires, floods, and moves.
Always Accessible
Access from any device, anywhere — perfect for insurance claims or warranty issues on the go.
Shareable
Export for insurance claims, share with contractors, or provide to buyers at resale.
For Landlords & Property Investors
Receipt management is even more critical when you manage multiple properties. You need to track CapEx vs. OpEx, demonstrate property performance, and produce documentation at tax time.
- •CapEx vs. OpEx tracking: Categorize receipts to distinguish capital improvements from operating expenses.
- •Property performance: Track spending per property to understand true operating costs.
- •Year-end documentation: Export all receipts for a property in one click for tax preparation.
- •Due diligence for sales: Comprehensive receipt history adds value when selling a property.
Store All Your Important Receipts — Forever
HomeLifeSpan makes receipt storage simple. Upload, attach to appliances, and never lose an important receipt again. Start free — no credit card required.