I love decluttering paper. Seriously, it is very satisfying for me to throw paper away. And let's face it - the less paper you have, the less you have to file.
I don't believe in expanding to a bigger storage solution unless absolutely necessary. And in most cases, we're simply too lazy to declutter (because that involves making decisions) so we just get another file, another storage box, another bookshelf for all our clutter.
No, thanks, not for me!
I limit myself to a file binder and when it gets full, I take 15 - 30 minutes to go through and declutter it.
Because I contain the paper, I don't get overwhelmed with piles and piles of paper and files.
I have a gorgeous pink file where I keep my Business Control Journal and other business stuff (I won't bore you with all the detail).
When I had to file some paper recently, I noticed that the file was a bit snug (rather like my jeans at the moment ;) ) so I took it and while I was watching TV, I went through the papers quickly and this is all the paper I decluttered. Lovely, isn't it?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Decluttering paper
To see what else is being tackled all over the world, visit http://5minutesformom.com/
Edited to add: I do recycle the paper when I'm done decluttering :)
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14 comments:
I am a throw away person. If I am not using it, I throw it away and that includes paper. We save all paper items and take it to my daughter's elementary school for the recycling program. The school makes money from all the recycled paper pickups so I feel like I am helping the school every time I purge.
I like to throw away, my husband likes to SAVE every. scrap. of. anything. that comes in our home. It's a constant challenge to keep things decluttered living with a "collector".
I kinda had to do the same thing today. I prefer the recycling bin to my garbage though for all of my paper clutter, and if it's sensative material I don't want garbage sifters to see I shred it. Happy Tackling!
I love that feeling after you go through the clutter and fill the trash with stuff you can get rid of! :)
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who delights in filling up the trash can/recycling bin. :)
Thanks for writing about this topic. Trash is my nemesis; I am working on it though little by little.
I so agree! I feel so satisfied when I go through and get rid of useless paper.
I've been kind of shy to throw away stuff I have filed already. Seems like I always need it a week or two after I throw it away. lol
Great Tackle!
I am a "queen" too - of paper. I have 3 offices full. Help Help Help. Everything I do involves mountains of paper - 1)farming (records, catalogs, receipts) 2)real estate sales - files of sales and past sales, industry mags, promotional materials, contact info
3)Mother-in-law stuff that we care for in nursing care. Then there is church stuff, foster children stuff, and then more stuff. I actually hired a friend 3 years ago to pry my fingers off of a 20 year accumalation. It was great but I need her again and she has moved.(((
Paper is my worst enemy! I never know what I should keep and for how long. I would love to toss all of my bills, but then I fear they will make a mistake and I will need to prove something using my bill.
How long should I keep bank statements for? Or taxes? I live in a two bedroom apartment with four kids and I need to get my boxes of papers under control. I would appreciate all tips you have about paper. I have all sorts of decluttering issues, but it's the paperwork that drives me nuts.
I'm also bad about getting rid of my junk mail because of all of those coupons I "might" use (and then don't). Just found your blog while searching for "decluttering paper" and it looks awesome!
Sarah, it's best to check with an organiser in your state as retention guidelines differ from country to country and state to state.
I ask myself "what's the likelihood of this happening?" and usually it's not high so I toss :)
It may seem as easy as pie for others to keep everything in order but there are those who find it hard to maintain an organized living and working environment. Thanks for the tips!
“And let's face it - the less paper you have, the less you have to file.” – I most certainly agree. Over time, we accumulate lots of documents and papers. Bills, receipts and other unnecessary files pile up and lie around the house unnoticed. This causes clutter and mess in the space, and a messy place can cause a lot of negative vibes. Decluterring from time to time can be a way to lessen this mess and free your space from paper debris.
Great post! Been reading a lot about how to handle all the paper in my office. Thanks for the info!
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