STEPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR PAPER CLUTTER

Of all the types of clutter you may find in your home or office, paper clutter is the most unsettling. Paper clutter represents lingering decisions and lingering to-dos. When you’re surrounded by paper clutter, you’re never quite sure what’s hiding at the bottom of the stack and so you’re never quite sure what needs your time and attention. But with simple, functional and attractive paper organizing and filing systems in place, you can put an end to the stacks and the uneasy feelings they create.

Step 1: Set up a collection system.

The first step to ending paper clutter is to establish a single place to collect incoming paper. First, decide on a location for your collection system—typically a surface close to the door you use most often works best.

Step 2: Set up systems for your action papers.

This is the most important of all the types of paper in your home or office, because its purpose is to tell you to perform some sort of task. Bills, party invitations and permission slips are common examples of action papers.When setting up your action system, keep convenience in mind.

Step 3: Set up systems for your reference papers.

Next, set up systems for your reference papers. This is paper that doesn’t require any action on your part at this time, and if there ever is an action associated with it, something other than the paper will trigger you to take action.

Step 4: Set up a filing system for your archive papers.

Think of your archive papers as your permanent records. These are documents such as old tax returns that you need to hold onto for a period of time. Like reference papers, there is no current action associated with your archive papers. But you will access archive papers far less frequently than the other three kinds of paper—collection, action and reference.

Step 5: Create the habits necessary to use each system effectively.

Once you have your paper systems set up, the next step is to identify and create the habits needed to use each system. Keep in mind that each system will require different habits. For example, it makes sense to empty your collection system on a daily basis by processing your daily paper and distributing it into your action, reference and archive systems. As you identify new habits to create, keep this in mind—the more frequently you take action on your paper, the shorter your stacks will stay!

Enjoy your clear desk and counter top!

After following the first five steps, all that’s left to do now is sit back and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from paper-clutter-free living! Enjoy that peace…and then go do something you love to do!