Digitizing a large backlog of old paper records is a genuinely different task from scanning a single new document — the challenge is mostly about workflow and prioritization, not any individual scan.
Sort before you scan
Doing a first pass to separate truly worth-keeping documents from ones that can simply be discarded (once you've confirmed you don't need the physical original) saves significant time versus scanning everything indiscriminately.
Batch by document type
Scanning all similar documents together — all receipts, then all medical records, then all tax documents — keeps a consistent naming and organizing rhythm going rather than context-switching between very different document types.
Set a realistic pace
A large backlog doesn't need to be finished in one sitting — a steady pace of a set number of documents per day is more sustainable and less error-prone than trying to power through hundreds of pages at once.
Is it safe to discard physical originals after scanning?
For most everyday paperwork, yes, once you've confirmed the scan is fully legible — for select formal documents (original vital records, certain legal documents), it's worth checking specific requirements before discarding the physical original.