How to Divide and Conquer Paper Clutter

Learn how to get control of that pile of paper clutter by dividing it into separate categories according to their priority.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• File folders or pocket folders

1. Gather up all the paper clutter from your desk and find an area where you can spread out. The floor, a table, or any large flat surface will do.

2. Take four folders and lay them out on your work surface. Label the folders with the following titles: 1)Papers that need immediate attention, 2)Papers that need action soon, 3)Papers that need to be filed, 4)Papers that need to be shredded, recycled, or trashed.

3. Now go through your large pile of papers and separate them into the four different piles. Don't take the time to put them in the folders yet, just stack the papers on top of each folder.

4. In the pile for immediate attention you will put things like; bills, refunds with deadlines, forms to be returned to your child's school, forms to be filled out for doctor's appointments or business appointments. This pile is also for all those notes you've made to remind you to make phone calls, reply to emails, or anything that needs to be taken care of within the next couple of days.

5. In the pile for needing action soon you will put papers that don't have an immediate deadline or urgency. This may include; reminders for maintenance service on appliances, bug spraying, or car maintenance. It may also be reminders for renewal of magazines or newsletters/newspapers, etc. These are usually sent out way in advance.

6. In the pile for filing you will put paid bills, bank and brokerage statements, and receipts you are keeping. You may also include articles you have cut out for future reading. Personal memorabilia will also go in this pile. This may include photos, your child's art/school work, letters, or cards.

7. In the last pile you will put all the papers you don't need to keep. Don't take the time now to separate the papers to shred, recycle, or trash. You can do that later.

8. Once you have separated all the paper clutter into four categories it will be easier to work on one folder at a time. Your "immediate attention" folder will be the top priority. You'll feel a lot more in control once action has been taken on those urgent papers.

Tips & Warnings

• As new papers come into the home or office be sure to file them in the proper folder right away.
• Make sure you separate the original pile of papers before you start working on the individual piles.

[IcyCucky]

on 6/1/2009 Great tips to get organize!