Elder-caregivers

Most things don't need to be shredded, just torn in a few pieces, especially if it's a significant amount of paper. Shredded paper doesn't recycle well, and much of it ends up landfilled. The confetti shredders' output is almost always landfilled because the fibers are too destroyed.

If you have home compost or use your shredded paper as base-layer mulch, then yes, shred and compost/mulch. But if you're looking at boxes full of documents, either tear it up (it'll be so mixed it won't be easily reassembled) or use one of the document destruction services. (That paper often ends up getting slurried for paperboard or fiberized for blow-in insulation.)

Which is good for us Stuff handlers -- tearing in 4-8 is much faster than home shredding, and document services are even faster (if not free). Some cities do have shredables events; it's worth calling your city or county. (Often in the spring, after tax season, I've noticed, so a little late now.)