Day 9 - Paper
This one could take a big chunk of time depending on your current paper situation. If you have time to tackle it all today, go for it! If not, set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and get as much done in that amount of time as you can. If you are still overwhelmed just save this one for a day when you have more time!
This task takes a lot of time on the front end but if you set up a maintainable system it will save you so much time and stress in the future!
Keep in mind, these are just suggestions. The steps below may not cover every piece of paper you have in your possession. So if you have other questions for me, just ask! Also - just because you read my blog doesn’t mean you can blame me if you accidentally throw away something important. 😉
If you choose to take before & after pictures of this task please cover up all personal information.
First things first:
Choose the paperless option for bills and bank statements when you can!
You can do this today! Call or visit the website of your bank and other companies that bill you.
You may only want to choose one category of paper to work on today. If so, complete the following steps for just that category!
Don’t overwhelm yourself.
Clear off a large space.
You’ll need a flat space or bins for sorting.
Gather it all up.
Don’t forget to check your junk drawer, kitchen counter, backpacks, office space, car, etc.
Sort.
Divide everything up into categories.
Financial, Medical, Home, Car, Kids, Work, School, Mail, To-Do, etc.
This may take a while, but it’s important for you to inspect each piece of paper. You know what is important and what is not. So make a cup of coffee, turn on some good music, and get started!
Remember, it is fine for you to choose to work on just one of those categories today.
Continue sorting.
Within each category create stacks.
SAVE & FILE, TRASH/RECYCLE, SHRED, TO-DO
You decide how much to keep - be disciplined here. GET RID OF IT if you can!
It should be like a game, “How much can I get rid of?” Maybe that only works for me…but give it a try!
If you have important documents that you want to scan and save digitally, create a separate stack for those too!
I recommend shredding anything that includes personal information.
Tackle the stacks!
Trash/Recycle & Shred stacks
Throw it away.
Recycle it.
Shred it.
Don’t look back.
To-Do stack
You only need one to-do stack. Put it somewhere that you cannot ignore. Actually make a plan to do it!
This stack will include all of the papers that require some sort of immediate action.
RSVPs, papers requiring a signature, forms to fill out, important reminders, etc.
This can very quickly get out of hand if you allow it! Intentionally set aside time daily or weekly to handle the to-do stack. It is meant to be a short-term system.
Save & File stack
Scan & Save the files you want to keep digitally.
Long-Term Files
These are files you’ve already dealt with that need a permanent spot in your home or office.
Create categories for the items you’re saving.
Home, car, medical, financial, etc.
Only keep the document you need. Do not keep the envelope and unnecessary papers that may have come with it. Unfold it & file it flat.
Go through these files yearly (maybe around tax time) to declutter. Get rid of things that are no longer needed.
I recommend using a small file holder or file cabinet. The bigger it is the more likely you’ll be to stuff things in there that aren’t necessary to keep!
Short-Term Files
This is similar to the to-do stack but not the same! The to-do stack consists of papers that require an immediate action.
These are files that still require some sort of action or that you’re holding on to for a short amount of time before you decide if they need to be trashed/recycled, shredded, or filed.
Some people use a hanging magazine rack or a desk tray for this. Find what works for you!
They are short-term for a reason. Don’t let them stay there forever!
OTHER PAPER
Mail
Deal with it as SOON as it comes in. Make this part of your daily routine.
Most things can be trashed or shredded immediately.
If something comes in that you need to unsubscribe from put it in your to-do stack! (And do it.)
Instruction Manuals & Warranties for appliances
Go through them and make sure you still have the appliance. If not, trash it!
You can store these in a filing system or some people like to put the papers in a gallon bag and tape the bag to the back of the appliance. Of course, that only works for big appliances. And you want to be sure you don’t cover up anything important!
Old Magazines & Catalogs
Recycle or trash, you choose!
This will give you one less thing to dust or shove into a cabinet somewhere!
While you’re at it, unsubscribe from all the magazines and catalogs you are no longer interested in. You can do that online or by calling the customer service number for the magazine or store.
Receipts
How you decide to declutter receipts really depends on how you track your finances.
We only keep receipts until we have them entered into our budget spreadsheet.
The only exception is if the receipts are for a gift or an item that may need to be returned. These receipts go in the short-term file holder.
Important Documents
Keep important documents somewhere safe and easy for you to find!
Birth certificate
Marriage license
Death certificate
Will
Passport
Diploma
Tax documents
Social Security Card
Insurance policy
Title
Whew. That’s a lot.
It can be overwhelming if you do not currently have a system for organizing paper in your home. Don’t be overwhelmed. Divide it up however you need & take care of it! You’ll be so glad you did.
If you choose to take before & after pictures of this task please cover up all personal information.