How to Organize Stacks of Paper

Don't let stacks of paper take over your workspace.

Whether at home or at the office, to-do lists, receipts, memos and everyday mail can stack up quickly. When it's time to tame your paper clutter, avoid getting bogged down in fine details. Don't open every envelope unless you really don't know what's inside. Work quickly and stay focused -- don't allow yourself to get derailed with another errand when you find that party invitation or coupon flyer you have been looking for. Stay on task until your organizing is complete, and with some regular maintenance you'll never have to wade through stacks of paper again.

Things You'll Need

• Labels
• Two-pocket folder
• File cabinet
• File dividers
• Shredder

Instructions

1. Separate your papers into three piles: one pile for papers that require an action (such as bills or correspondence), one for papers that need to be stored (receipts, tax forms and legal papers), and one for papers that can be tossed.

2. Label the outside of a two-pocket folder with the word "Action." Choose a folder that can easily sit on your desk or counter and be accessed at all times. Label one pocket of the folder with the word "Consequences," and one with "No Consequences." Put bills and items with due dates in the "Consequences" folder. Less pressing items, such as letters to answer or sales advertisements, go in the "No Consequences" folder.

3. Place items that need to be stored in a locking file cabinet or file box. Use labeled dividers to organize these papers. General terms like "Tax Forms," "Insurance," and "Medical" are helpful.

4. Shred papers from your toss pile that include any personal information, and recycle or discard the rest.

Tips & Warnings

• You can cut down on the amount of papers you receive by paying bills online and receiving electronic statements from your bank instead of paper ones.

• Get in the habit of sorting mail as soon as you bring it into the house. Even discarding junk mail right away will reduce the stacks of paper that collect on your desk or counter.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Organize Important Papers and Documents
• University of Illinois Extension: Dealing With Clutter

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: How Long to Keep Important Papers