With April being tax season and filing right around the corner, I thought I would visit paper clutter since I know that I am always personally trying to address records during this timeframe.
There is so much paper even if we have switched a lot of things to electronic or digital processes. The difficulty with paper is not only managing the current paper coming into our lives, but our paper files. As part of my 40-day purge, I also handled some papers.
Here are some tips for reducing paper clutter:
- Only keep records. If something is for reference and you can find it online, do so.
- Set up a system for actionable papers and/or items in progress.
- Handle mail daily and scheduling maintenance time for your current paper piles and files.
- Stop paper from coming into the house by eliminating junk mail by getting off the list and recycling bulk mail as you sort.
- Convert items to electronic by scanning or doing online bill paying.
Paper clutter can be overwhelming but with a routine and scheduled maintenance you can cure the paper clutter.
Personally, I remind myself of the difference between references and records. And by handling paper daily or routinely (desk day for items in progress), I have been able to control the amount of paper I’ve added.
As part of the challenge, I did spend some time on paper maintenance and have reduced my paper previously saved for reference significantly (think two paper copy boxes). These were papers that were placed in recycling. Don’t forget to shred any items related to identity.
Do you need to cure your paper pile ups? Contact me to learn how life coaching can support you.