How to Organize Incoming Mail

Mail can seem overwhelming by the ridiculous number of junk mail, bills, and catalogs that fill your mailbox. Use the following tips to conquer that stack of mail right as you walk in the door.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Recycle Bin
• Paper Shredder
• Binder
• Online billing

1. Keep a recycle bin and shredder by the front door (or wherever you enter your home) and get rid of junk mail immediately.

2. Sign up for a program, such as Mail Stopper (www.mailstopper.tonic.com), to limit junk mail. A junk mail program may charge approximately $20 a year to keep your name off marketing lists.

3. Place magazines and catalogs in a decorative bin near a lounge chair or reading area. Placing magazines on a coffee table also gives easy access for guests to browse through while visiting.

4. Remove articles or recipes from the magazine you want to keep and file them away in a binder. Recycle the rest of the magazine or donate it to the Goodwill or DAV.

5. Pay your bills online by signing up for online billing. You will receive bills in an email rather than to your door. You can sign up for online billing through your bank or through the company's website.

6. If online billing seems to risky, file your bills in the order they are due near the area you sit down to pay your bills. Write the date and amount due on the outside of the envelope. Also make a note of the bill on your family calendar.

Tips & Warnings

• Go trough your mail each day, it only takes a few minutes. Decide on the spot to trash it or file it.
• Shred all documents that include your name, address, or account information to reduce the risk of identity theft.