How to Organize Papers…spend less time

Less paper means less clutter

The crisis of dealing with paper that comes in on a daily basis comes as no surprise to most. We know there is a much better way, however the paper keeps building up as we devise ways to deal with it.

A paperless world is but a dream to most. We continue to fill all spaces with our papers, cluttering our offices and homes. The bills keep piling up on the desk. Taking action to prevent it from coming through the door can eliminate much of what comes into our homes and offices. Paper is easier to organize with less.

By following the easy steps below you can start to look at just what is causing this paper disorganization. Remember every unmanaged piece of paper equals clutter. By eliminating unwanted paper from arriving at your door is the first step in controlling the paper chaos.

The use of your business and home computer to manage paper is a crucial step in arriving at the doorstep of the paperless world.

1. What paper comes in on a daily basis – IDENTIFY IT!
Determine if you need it

a. Opt out Junk mail http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm

2. People Paper coming in from outside
What the people drag in

3. What to do next.

a. Collect all papers from each room

b. Identify if you are going to keep the paper item

c. Use our PDA system

d. Purge-Donate-Adopt "If you adopt paperwork, it must have a good home."

4. What is a good home?

1. Computer Hard drive

2. File folders

3. Tickler Files

4. Portable Files

5. Banker’s Boxes

6. Accordion Folders

5. How much time to spend getting organized?

6. How to maintain the incoming paper?

• Choose a place to process paper and stick to it!

• Spend at least 15 minutes on filing

• No more than 55 minutes on filing

• Set your timer to alert you to the time spent

• Should be close to where you enter.

• Trash is handy
• Recycle
• Filing cabinet
• Tickler file

Rebecca Lang is founder of Clutter Organizers a Professional Organizing company serving business and residential organizing with a specialty in productivity coaching. We serve Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.
Member of: National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
Washington D.C. Chapter (NAPO) "Golden Circle Member"

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