Paper Clutter

Everyone thought that when computers became the way of communicating and handling everyday administrative tasks, that paper would be a thing of the past. No such luck!

The use of paper has grown tremendously in the past 10 years. Paper clutter includes papers that don’t contain information you’re planning to use now or in the future, or papers that do not have a storage place. Typical paper clutter can include bills, newspapers, magazines, warranties, letters, memos, cards, sticky notes, mail, advertising flyers, school papers, insurance policies, etc.

Clear Work Area = Clear Mind:

If your work area and surface looks like a tornado just whipped through it, how will you be able to concentrate on the project at hand?

Do you really want to pay your bills, write a letter, work on a craft, or check your kid's  homework among piles of scattered files, papers, mail and magazines? A messy, disorganized work area results in scattered thoughts and stress. It's nearly impossible to think straight when you're working in such a chaotic situation.

The only paper on the desk or table you're working on, should be the task or project you're doing right now. File everything else away, or at the very least, temporarily move it to another area. Once your work surface is completely clear, you'll then be ready to work in a stress-free, productive manner.

Paper clutter is one of the biggest clutter problems people have and getting rid of it is even a bigger problem. There are a lot of terrific ideas and methods covered in my latest book, Experts' Decluttering Secrets. If paper is overwhelming you and you don't know what to do, grab a copy of the book and within a few minutes you'll begin to see your way through.

The 4D’s for Paper Control:

D1) Do it: If an action is necessary with the paper you have, do the action right now and when you’re done, decide if the paper needs to be filed, or can he recycled.

D2) Delegate it: If the paper can be assigned to someone else or belongs to someone else, give or send it to that person immediately.

D3) Delay it: If you need to take action on this paper, or if you need to reference it later, delay it by putting it into an appropriate filing system; a Tickler File System, a Bill Paying System, your filing cabinet, etc. I show you how to setup these systems in my book.

D4) Dump it: Most of the papers we get on a daily basis can be dumped immediately. Open mail over the recycle bin. Go through your mail every day. Don’t delay your decision or paper shuffle. Make a quick decision about it and toss it if you don't need it.

I have a post office box for my business mail. Everyday when I go and get my mail I sort through it at the post office. Our post office has trash and recycle bins in the lobby. I dump all the junk in the trash or recycle bin on my way out. It never makes into my car or home.

If you get your mail delivered to your home or office, you can use the same system. Setup a trash and recycle bin close to the point where the mail usually enters and sort it before it gets any farther into your home.
 
Recognize Clutter:

As a rule, if you don't use it or enjoy it, it's nothing more than clutter. If you don’t know what it is, it’s clutter. If it’s too nice to use, it’s clutter. Toss it or give it to someone who will use it and appreciate it. The same goes for paper clutter. If you don't use it, absolutely need it or are required by law to have it...toss it.

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