Do you have a stack of paper like the one in the photo? Do you dread checking the mailbox due to more paper finding its way into your already cluttered home? Do you feel overwhelmed and embarrassed when you look at the piles of paper in your possession? Are you unsure of where to begin or if you can ever get through all of the mess? If you resonate with any of these questions, you are certainly not alone! I, too, had multiple piles of paper and wasn't sure it would ever get any better. Yet, I can honestly say I don't currently have any piles of paper in my home. I know where everything is filed and deal with incoming papers immediately. Today, I want to share 6 steps to simplifying the paper in your home. It really is possible to ditch the paper piles and find freedom!
STEP 1: Establish a DAILY Routine to Deal with Incoming Paper
Establishing a routine to deal with incoming paper is so important. Although the piles are probably driving you crazy, you must find a way to stay on top of the current influx of paper first. The good news is that the paper piles can only get better from here on out.
My Routine
Each day, I get the mail and immediately sort it into four piles: shred, file, action, trash. Then I shred items in the shred pile, toss any trash, and file papers I need to keep. Next, I take action on the items in the action pile as soon as possible. Doing this every single day keeps the papers from ever piling up.
STEP 2: Develop a long-term and short-term filing system
Long-term and short-term filing systems are both extremely important when dealing with multiple kinds of paper. One is best for birth certificates and taxes, while the other can be used for items from the current year alone. Here are examples of what I place in each of these dedicated filing systems.
Long-Term
Birth Certificates
Marriage Certificate
Social Security Cards
Taxes from Previous Years
Insurance Information
Short-Term (Current Year)
Paid Bills
Bank Statements
Tax Papers
STEP 3: Set aside a specific time to start dealing with piles of paper
Write it down on your calendar, just as you would any appointment or meeting.
Find a large, flat surface to use for sorting. This could be a desk, table, counter, or even the floor.
Consistently set aside short chunks of time to go through the paper piles until you have finished them all.
STEP 4: Print the FREE Paper Sorting Category Sheet
How to Use:
Print the FREE printable at the link above
Cut out categories
Lay them out on a flat surface
STEP 5: Sort Paper into Categories
Categories:
Shred - Papers I don't need that contain personal information
File - Important papers I need to keep (ex: tax forms, insurance information)
Recycle - Papers that don't contain personal info that I don't need (ex: catalogs)
Maybe - Items I may or may not need in the future (ex: coupons, sale papers)
Trash - Any item that I don't need to shred and cannot be recycled
Receipts - Only those that contain an item I might need to return
Action - Items I need to deal with (ex: bills to pay, forms to sign)
Memory - Items to put in my memory box (ex: special greeting cards, letters)
* You don't have to use all of the categories. You can change it to fit your needs.
STEP 6: Remove Shred/Recycle/Trash Piles & File Remaining Paper into Systems
Your final step is to shred, recycle, and trash the papers you aren't keeping. Then file the remaining papers away into the appropriate categories. It doesn't matter what type of system you use, as long as it works for you. Whether you prefer a box, binder, drawer, cabinet, or folder isn't so important. The most important aspect is that you have a system that works for you and is simple enough for you to maintain on a regular basis. Paper isn't so scary when you take it one step at a time, one piece at a time. I'd love to know your favorite way to store papers. Do you prefer visual or hidden organization? Do you prefer large or small categories? Please leave a comment and let me know how you plan to create a simple solution for papers that will leave you feeling confident in your ability to deal with the items that come into your home each day.
Happy Simplifying!
<3 Sierra
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