GON Reader Question from Leah P, Madison, WI
Maria,
I always seem to have a pile of paperwork and mail cluttering up my counters and desk. No matter how many times I organize it, it just piles up again. How can I stay on top of
paperwork and mail so it doesn’t get out of hand?
Maria's Response
Hi Lisa,
First off, don’t feel bad—everyone has paper coming in. That’s why it’s so helpful to stay on top of it with a daily habit.
Second, the less paper you have coming in, the better. Whenever you can, switch to digital versions for bills, statements, or subscriptions.
Here’s a plan for keeping paperwork and mail manageable:
1. Recycle Mail Right Away:
When you bring in the mail, recycle anything that doesn’t need to be opened before you step inside. In my house, the large recycling bin is in the garage, right near the door that leads into our home from the garage, Anything we know can
go is tossed before it even enters the house. This small habit keeps excess paper from making it inside.
2. Set a Consistent Time to Sort Mail Daily:
Choose a consistent time each day or evening (yes, daily!) to go through the day’s mail.
Quickly review each item, recycle or shred junk, and set aside anything needing action. This daily habit keeps mail from turning into a pile and lets you deal with everything efficiently as it comes in.
3. Establish a Daily Action System for Paperwork:For paperwork that needs attention, set up a daily action system with folders for categories like “Bills to Pay,” “To Do,” and
“File.” Each day (or every other day) during your home “office hours,” work through the folders, handling anything that’s accumulated. This makes it easy to stay current without letting tasks pile up. 4. Weed Out One File a Day:Take a
look at one file folder in your filing cabinet every single day. Clear out anything that’s outdated, no longer needed, or can be digitized, freeing up valuable space. This keeps your filing cabinet organized over time without turning it into an overwhelming project. By setting these habits in motion, you’ll see a real difference in how organized your counters and desk stay. Hope this helps a bit!
