How to Master Your Paper Clutter

Paper – my nemesis. And if you’re reading this blog post, it’s most likely yours, too.

When we begin working with clients on their downsizing projects, it seems like paper is always a major clog factor. And oftentimes, you have to clear away that first layer of clutter (which is usually paper) before you can begin downsizing anything.

Here’s a few tips to help you master your paper clutter.

Step 1: Gather Everything Up

You’ll need to clear off a dining table or other large surface for carrying out the organization process. (You can also use plastic bins, but you might need quite a few of these.)

Walk around the room and pick up all those pieces and stacks of paper and throw them into a bag or box and bring them into your sorting area.

Step 2: Sort Your Paper

Start by organizing your paper into piles. This first go-round will help you get things sorted into the appropriate bucket or category. You’re not opening mail, reading anything or acting on any calls to action – you’re simply sorting.

Here are some common categories you can organize your paper into:

1. Magazines
2. Newspapers, periodicals, bulletins
3. Catalogs, expired warranties, service contracts, instructions on things you don’t have
4. Junk mail, takeout menus, old invitations, charity requests, outdated schedules
5. Non-deductible receipts, grocery store receipts
6. Insurance policies
7. Personal correspondence like cards, letters and photographs
8. Invoices, bills
9. Medical documents
10. Banking, financial statements and important documents

Depending on your situation, there may be more categories for your paper clutter. As you go through the process of sorting the mail, whether you need additional categories will become clear.

Step 3: Clear the Recycling

Now let’s step back and take a look at those piles! Chances are, everything in categories 1 through 5 can go directly to your recycling bin!  You can keep any current magazines or catalogs, but everything else can go bye-bye.

Unfortunately, things like catalogs, newspapers and donation requests will keep coming. And if you haven’t done anything with these by now, you probably won’t next month, either.

Also, skip opening any junk mail. Doing so will probably clear out around 60% of your paper problem!

Step 4: Manage Important Records

This is where things get more involved. You’ll need to open your mail up to see if there’s anything you need to pay, keep or file.

For example, you only need to keep insurance policies that are current, so any outdated policies can go into the shredding pile. Any pertinent medical information should be organized and kept together in your Medical File. All current invoices, financial statements and tax deductible receipts need to be kept and filed.

You’ll also need to go through other kinds of paper and determine what you truly need to keep. From here, you can build a filing and paper management program around those things that you need access to.

Get rid of any personal correspondence, like greeting cards, that aren’t truly meaningful. Place any loose photographs you want to keep into a plastic tote for sorting and organizing later. You’ll likely find photos throughout the house as you downsize, so this becomes an ongoing collection process.

Keep It Going

Now that you’ve got your paper under control, keep it going! Make it a daily habit to deal with your mail. Keep a recycling bag or box ready for tossing any and all junk mail as it comes in – don’t even open it. Put all bills in the area where you pay them, and put any catalogs and magazines in a letter tray or basket for sorting through later. When your bags or baskets get too full, you know it’s time to clear them out.

Over to You

What’s your best tip for mastering your paper clutter? Share your expertise with us in the comments!