We all have paperwork that needs to be taken care of on a regular basis and, if you’re like me, it’s not your favorite task.
Allowing those papers to pile up, however, is an emotional and mental drain — and can even cost you money. Scattered papers mean missed opportunities, missed discounts, missed bill payments, late fees, additional charges and missing your credit card payment may even result in an increase in the interest rate on your credit card.
The simplest solution is to go paperless as much as possible.
I eliminate some of my paper problem by using an online app. Read how to organize with Evernote HERE.
You can also change your bill notifications to email rather than snail mail and sign up for auto pay options. If you struggle with organization though, this can cause problems if you fail to add due dates to your calendar or you have trouble keeping enough money in your checking account to cover upcoming bills that are auto-drafted.
I stay on track with bill paying with a Budget Binder because I’m very visual. You can read How to Create a Simple Budget Binder HERE.
I’ve created the habit of opening up a bill as soon as I receive it, marking the date of the paycheck before the due date in my calendar and placing the bill in the front pocket of the binder. Every pay day I simply check the binder and pay the bills that are due that week. This is a system that works for me, but you should discover what works best for you.
In order to attack other paper piles, I use my 10 Minute Paper Pile Fix.
First label 3 empty file folders: NOW, 10 MINUTES A DAY and FILE.
(I like to use a sticky note on the front because they are easy to see.)
Next open any unopened mail and discard any trash.
Next quickly sort each piece of paper from your pile into the appropriate folder:
- Bills and any paperwork that requires immediate attention (tag renewals, insurance paperwork, etc.) go into the NOW folder.
- Items that require action but are not immediate (letters to respond to, subscription renewals, paperwork without a deadline, etc.) go into the 10 MINUTES A DAY folder.
- Items that simply need to be filed away for later go into the FILE folder.
Once you’ve completed sorting you can set the 10 MINUTES A DAY folder and FILE folder aside for later and start on the items in your NOW folder.
If you’re still in the organizing mood you can place the items in the NOW folder in order by date, for example, the bills that need to be paid first would be at the top of the pile.
Once you have the papers in order start with the top item and take action — pay the bill, etc. As items are completed move that paper into either the FILE folder to file later or place it in the shredder or trash.
When the NOW folder items are taken care of you can begin working on the items in the 10 MINUTES A DAY folder. Usually by the time I have finished the NOW items I am ready for a break so I put the folders away until the next morning when I will spend 10 minutes working on the TEN MINUTES A DAY folder. The key is to keep the folder on your desk and spend just a few minutes a day dealing with the papers inside it.
Once the TEN MINUTES A DAY folder is taken care of you can spend a few minutes filing everything in the FILE folder.
As new mail comes into your home take care of it right away by using these three folders and you hopefully won’t have a huge pileup ever again.
For more tips to keep your paperwork organized read How to Organize Paperwork and Keep It That Way HERE.
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Great rule Kristin — thanks!
Wow Lisa! I am so impressed that you have paid down that much debt. Good for you!
You could purchase a box or art portfolio from a craft and hobby store to store everything or take photos and place them in a scrapbook for her.
Yes, shredding is an important component. 🙂 I fantasize about creating a huge bonfire in my backyard and burning it all but I don’t think my neighbors would appreciate it.
So glad I could help Mary! 🙂
Thanks so much Magan!
Papers are the hardest for me to organize!
I am a pretty good organizer both with paper and electronic “paper”. To keep track of when I pay a bill that I receive electronically, I keep the bill in my inbox until it is paid then I move it to a receipts folder.
This looks like a very doable system for me!! Thank you also for the pics with the explanation! Here’s to no more piles!!!! 😀
We just moved and my counter is covered in mail. I needed a new way to organize everything. And I love stationary. My husband filled my Easter basket with all stationary items last year.
I’ve been tackling paperwork too! Although I like your method a lot more than mine. A big move, living in limbo for about 8 weeks and then another move left me with lots of paperwork in lots of different places so needless to say, I can use all the organizational help I can get! Thank you for sharing! All the best to you and your daughter and your continued recoveries! God bless!
I will do my best to get organized (and pay my bills on time!).
I try and keep up with this some days are better than others. I have recently gotten back into pen paling so making sure I keep up with who I need to write back and who I have written back is a must. And cant forget the bills. Sometimes that is a chore. I am so glad you share your tips they are very helpful for me.
I have been trying to scan items into the computer and then shred, shred, shred. I’ve been doing back years forevere!!! I’m just starting to do current,incoming mail but things tend to walk away before I get to them so this would be perfect!!
I keep a trash can right by where I like to pile the mail. This helps me toss it immediately, before it becomes an out of control mess. (Well, sometimes!)
Between homeschool and the normal “junk” pile that I already had, I’ve been overwhelmed. We just recently swapped our homeschool room and living room… so everything is everywhere! LOL But I’m trying 🙂
If I have important papers that don’t already have an immediate spot to go in (“To File” or “bills to pay”, folder, etc) then I have a stack of empty file folders that I can immediately make a new folder for it or it gets clipped up on my super cute bird cage message board until I have taken care of it. Thanks for the post!
Our household bills/papers are fairly organized, but my dh could use help with the business bills. I will suggest (and help him) try this system. 🙂
I sort papers once a week. But I’m not sure what to do with all my daughter’s school and art work.
I am such a stacker! Paper stacking & stashing has been my nemesis and this is my year to get it more organized and have a system! I am committed…thanks for that accountability!:) Although this has been an area of struggle I have implemented a few things and I read a lot so I have a few little tips: First, find systems such as this and implement it consistently. Systems make everything run smoother and we all know that dreaded feeling when we have to dig through stacks to find that urgent, important paper we need NOW! This has robbed me of peace & time on many occasion. Second, I have an Excel Spreadsheet with all my bills and due dates and some other info to enable me to see everything at one glance. We have paid our debt load from 1.3 Million down to 250,000 in the last few years so the need to have something I could easily update often was one key. I really LOVE the idea of the “10 minute a day” folder!! I am a big believer in the principle of the slight edge and this is a perfect example! I do have an “immediate” or now folder and I also have one labeled “would be nice”:) for all of those papers it would be nice to get to like recipes, things you want to look up or research, etc…I know we all have some version of these. Having these folder keeps me from wasting time debating on whether or not to keep them. Thanks for the great post and for your ministry!:) I am new but will be following more!
I am working really hard to get my husband’s files from before our marriage filed. We have a huge tote full of things! Ugh!
my one Rule to paper clutter domination is FACE-UP!!!! Meaning everything immediately comes out of envelopes and unfolded flat out to face me! I never place anything on my desk folded up or left in envelopes. This rule also applies to my husband who used to be a habitual offender. For me this rule helps me to immediately trash all junk and file appropriately also this helps a ton when I need to come back to something later. with it already flat out and facing me I can clearly see what it is exactly and even post notes to it with stickies to remind me
I am a busy SAHM that stuggles to make time to organize paper. I would love some new fun ways to make my life simplier.
I like the idea of re-using the folders. I am all about saving money whenever you can. Thanks Diane!
Glad to help Barbara. 🙂
Wow! Sounds like you are really busy Andrea!
That’s a neat idea Donna – thanks!
Thanks Kathy!
You can do it Michelle!
Thanks so much Libby!
What a lovely comment Melissa! Thanks so much for your encouragement.
I keep getting buried under piles of paper. Help!
Yay! My pleasure Debbie!
I am trying SUPER hard to get my paperwork organized this year. Prayers are appreciated!
Thank you for this! I have been trying to hard to come up with a system that will work, and this looks like a winner! My husband is so grateful that I found this because he sometimes gets frustrated with my lack of organization (but then again, so do I!).
I open all mail every day and immediately toss all catalogs, advertisements, etc in the recycle bin. I’ve found when I hold on to catalogs I never go back to look at them. Also, it saves me money if I just toss.
This approach is simplified, I also am visual. Organization skills have diminished for me. I appreciate when I see an idea I feel will help me and keep me on track long term. Thank you.
I don’t really have a paperwork problem. I function better when things are organized so I try to take care of things right away. I do make piles, similar to your folder system, on my desk of urgent and non-urgent. I file right away.
This is so timely for me. I have papers on top of papers about to start a paper avalanche any minute! Your system seems doable, so I’m committed to dealing with it this week!!!
I love this idea! I get so overwhelmed with paperwork that I put it off and don’t do it. Thanks for this post!
Great way to fast organizing. Love the honesty with actual before and after pictures of your desk. 😉 Thanks for the post!
I’m ready to throw ALL of my paper clutter (yes, even the bills) into a bag and set it on fire. I know it’s not the best choice, but it’s seeming pretty practical right about now.
Haha Julie! I have been there. I once had an entire counter covered in papers and that is when I came up with this system so I wouldn’t set my house on fire — haha!
I have a file box in the kitchen that I try and use to organize paperwork. I’m not always good at staying up on it.
You have inspired me to organize and stop piling bills and papers on top of each other. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
My kitchen island gets a lot of my paper junk on it. I also need a place to put coupons until I get them into the envelope in my car.
I think this 3 file system is genius! I need a system besides the piles of mail! I have started stopping by the kitchen on my way in and trashing all junk mail before it floats into the house. I also stamp/date my catalogs and sale circulars and put in magazine file-then remove older ones being replaced! 1 in/1 out! Thanks The Peaceful Mom!
Thanks so much for the inspiration to tackle my paper pile!!
I am sending a link to your post to my husband. The ultimate paper pile maker. Thanks for a simple way to help him start to be more organized!
Paper clutter is my biggest problem (probably because I have 3 home businesses & a day job)
I am terrible about keeping my paper organized! I try but it always seems to get out of control quick! These tips are really helpful! I can’t wait to try this out! The amount of time it takes is great! I have 2 small boys and then keep me super busy! Thanks for the great tips!
Been tackling my paper piles lately while on short term disability and not working. Even sorting outand getting rid of all those excess recipes from magazines etc
I love the folder idea…. my desk is a mountain so I am committed to doing this this weekend and I agree with you, it is something I need to spend a few mins on daily. Thanks for all the great tips
I di IT today!! So cool and helpful, thank a lot
I don’t have a desk, but papers are still piling up in other places, and kitchen island is one of that places in my house. This sounds like a good idea and I will try it for sure. Thanks.
Your posts on papers and files are some of my favorite. I need help in that area. Keep sharing more ideas you use, they seem so good! Thank you for all you do!
I have yet to gain control of my paperwork…..work FT as a nurse, 3 kids and a farm to manage-things get out of hand quickly and more than once it has so cost us money. Huge goal for me!!! Will be using these tips 4 sure!!!
I love your website and enjoy checking my email every time I see your link. Your website is not only helpful and informative, but has a positive uplifting and faithful message. We have experienced a difficult four years with the loss of my sister in law, but also unemployment, infertility and illness. Your site reminds us that God has a plan and to walk in faith.
What a lovely comment Melissa! Thanks so much for your encouragement.
I need all the help keeping organized. This set is too cute and I would love to use it to get more organized!!
I have a basket on my dishwasher with pretty folders in it and once every other week or so I go through them and do what needs to be done. 🙂
I have a bag full of paper to tackle (mostly file). It used to be larger, but on hold since new baby. I like your method though. Maybe I can tackle it that way after all! I get rid of most first thing by going through mail right away and placing junk mail in recycle bin.
I am a Mom and need to get organized. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win.
What a great system. Thanks!
This is definitely on my TO DO list! What a great post! THANK YOU
Love, love, love the 3 folder plan! I have this one catch all for all the papers that are not monthly bills and it is out of control! Thanks for sharing!
Folders–LOTS OF THEM. I buy them in August when they go on sale for 5 or 10 cents each. However, I usually run out before the next year, so off to Dollar Tree I go. Plus a certain size cardboard box the width of a file cabinet. I write Kids Church curriculum for 4 different age classes, plus a small group ministry. So I can be up to my neck in paper work. However, other things can sometimes get left behind such as refrigerators-I have 2 small ones and winter clothes closet and utility closets, etc. You encouraged me to tackle a bit each day. May God bless you in a great unexpected way.
Thanks Cher!
Great system for managing the mail. I look through all bills every Friday morning & pay all that are due within 10 days – 2weeks. Pretty desk sets & paper make me smile. I always appreciate your down-to-earth ideas.
I’ve been working on my desk today because my husband needs to fix our computer. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have such a paperwork problem and have not found a good way to organize it all. I love the 3 folder idea! I often don’t even want to touch the paper pile because I know I don’t have enough time get through it all. I Am committing to work on my paperwork this week using this system. Thank you!!
World domination is too daunting for me since I have ADHD, but I will attempt desk domination with your fantastic file folder idea!! I’ve picked out a green, yellow and red file folder for each of your 3 categories. I also use different colors of post-it notes for all my labels. They never fall off and when I’m ready to purge that file folder, I just peel off the post-it note and recycle the folder. For all my files, I only use the folders with the tab on the left and I turn the file folder with the tab on the right side inside out so it becomes a left side tab.
The pretty set of stationery items would look great on my newly cleaned off desk/table.
Thanks for this post, Kimberlee! You always have such great ideas! This looks like something that could be completely manageable! Also, cute supplies! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
This is a terrific idea! I already tear and toss junk mail the minute it comes into the house especially those cute little catalogues that you end up with without requesting! Get rid of the temptation before I even have a chance to look at them 🙂 . However; I have a horrible habit of piling everything else and then wasting time trying to find the important stuff when I need it. Thanks for this and all your wonderful tips.
What a simple and efficient system! I have already sorted my papers into folders except I made the “file” folder a little file box and I will keep all my permanent files in it. Thanks, this really made me less scared of the pile of papers on my counter!
I am always planning on organizing my paperwork and I do it in bits and pieces. It just seems like there is always more paperwork than time.
I organize paperwork in large zip lock bags in a binder, I hole punch them and insert them and they are labeled by date to pay or date to redeem. Every day I just look to see that morning and we are set. Thank you for all your great ideas!!
Woohoo! Yay for motivation! You can do it Jacky!
My pleasure Jessica!
Yay! Hopefully this will help Anna. 🙂
I am out to prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. My husband of 50 years has always had a horrible desk. I am going to teach him these ideas, the 3 folders, and see after a few months if he has conquered his messy desk once and for all!
You did it correctly Jen so you are entered. I’m sorry you are dealing with morning sickness but how joyful to be expecting a baby!
Thanks for the reminder about Prov. 3:5-6 — those are my life verses. 🙂
Great tips Katie – thanks!
Look out world! 🙂
Hopefully this method can help Kaye! 🙂
I have a HUGE paper pile on one corner of my kitchen counter. I plan to implement this folder system this weekend! Thanks for this post!
Very cool idea. <3
I’m committed to organizing my paperwork!! Thanks for the great ideas! I’ve learned I have to immediately do something with any papers that come into my house or else it will pile up and I’ll never get it done. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
This is the best thing I have read today. I am sitting here at my desk in between two towering piles of papers that have built up over the last two weeks. I am definitely a piler, but my one normally small pile got out-of-hand due to life stuff recently. I love the “10 minutes a day” folder idea. I am going to sort this right now, and work on my “now” folder. Thanks for the fantastically simple idea! It is motivating me to get this cleaned up.
Thank you for the ideas! I like the idea of dealing with paperwork in small bits of time daily instead of one loong dreadful session 🙂 I appreciate you so much and am glad you and your daughter are doing better.
Thanks Ronda!
Your ideas were helpful! I like the idea of working on the now right away and then working on the 10 minutes folder at another time! I try to dump all the junk mail as soon as possible. For my other bills and important information, I hole punch them and put them in a binder that is divided into months. Then they are organized and I know where to go to find them.
A binder is a great idea Kelly!
Thank you for this post, Kimberlee! I have a notebook designated for all of my bills and pay stubs. As soon as they come in the mail they go into that notebook and I also have each bill listed as a recurring event in my phone calendar with a couple reminders before it’s due. The notebook also houses the confirmation numbers/receipts for paid bills. This comes in super handy.
Thanks Peaceful Mom for the ideas! I am going to try it. I would love to be entered into the drawing but I don’t usually write on this so I don’t know if it will work. My desk is a nightmare because morning sickness has taken over so any help is appreciated. I’m amazed you can keep up after all you and your family have gone through. Proverbs3:5-6.
Also, I really enjoy how- to videos like you did with the binder.
Jen in New Mexico
What a simple idea for organizing paperwork! Something I’ve always tried to do to use my time wisely while tackling paperwork is to tell myself “Just take care of the first thing you see or the first paper you touch!” If I go through my pile and make more piles, I will spend so much time simply shuffling through papers, or making excuses for tasks I don’t want to complete, and not actually accomplish anything. I’ve never thought of it in terms of 3 files: Now, 10 Min a Day, and File. Your system would definitely save me time in the long run, thanks for sharing!
I have piles Of paper every where. I hope to get them in one area consistently.
You make it look it so easy. I’m going to try to get organized this weekend, if I can accomplish that, then I’ll take over the world!
This post is perfect timing! I’m tackling my paper piles/filing cabinet this weekend, so I will try this method!! Thank you! 🙂
I have to deal with papers all day at work, so home papers are not a big problem…I deal with them immediately. Be done with what is worthless, bills go into a bill folder, and magazines go in a rack until I have a few quiet moments to look at them.
This is just what I needed this week I have sorted before but not used the 3 folder method. Also can benefit from the 10 minute daily focus. Thanks
Love this post Kimberlee! My hubby had a hospital trip in November and we have our grandson with us placed through CPS so I have a lot more paper than usual. My big tip for controlling paperwork is to open the mail by the trash can .
I want to organize papers. I find that the sticky Post-It Notes as a Label has NOT worked for me b/c they lose their stickiness and fall off; then you have no label and don’t know which folder/binder/section or category it is which is EXTREMELY frustrating (all that work for nothing)! I hope I win the giveaway. I need all the help I can get on organizing.
I love this idea and I have used many of your free organizational print outs. You are very inspiring!
I need help!!!! I have nothing good to suggest. I have two or three piles lying around (kitchen cabinet in two places, my desk, my dresser in my bedroom). I need help.
I have to say that yes, I enjoy going through paperwork and organizing them.
Yes Gentry! The 10 minutes a day trick helps me with lots of areas I like to procrastinate in. 🙂
This post is so helpful. I dread dealing with paperwork and mail. This makes it seem more manageable. Thank you!
My pleasure Holly!
Kimberly, love your idea for organizing a runaway pile of paper! Almost all my bills are online, but I still manage to have piles! I use folders, and have a small portable file box to quickly find anything “done” I also use a software budgeting program that can be accessed with an app that allows me to get all the bills paid into my digital check book. But I like your system, will be using it this month for the rest of those papers! I found your web page in 2012 We were$65,000 in debt, mostly medical bills. With your help and help from other systems out there we have paid off all the debt, paid another$19,000 in hospital bill during this journey and saved $10,000 This year, with not being well and such I saw my food bill sky rocket, so I’m back here to get back on track. No, we didn’t get a raise these last three years, but we found living on$21,000 or less a year freed us up to actually pay off medical bills, car repair and other emergencies. We don’t skip the dentist, but we do skip eating out or cable tv in other words, we’ve been empowered to enjoy our life without worrying about debt. I wanted to reiterate to you that your general attitude and love for the LORD, as well as your meal plans and other good idea were a big part of our success..thanks!!!
Wow Barb! I am so encouraged. Thank you so much for letting me know your success story! Could I share that in a post with my readers?
I had a system where I would immediately open every bill as it arrived in the mail, note the due date, put it back in the envelope and write on the end of the envelope the due date. I’d then add it to the other bills standing up in an organizer on the counter. This worked great for me, as I need to see something to remember it! I used the past tense, however, because life got in the way and I got really busy and the bills just piled up (literally baskets full of bills). I started paying online, but I’ve found I still need to have the visual reminder. I also have the paper clutter problem…it’s taken over part of the kitchen counter, around my chair, on the computer desk, and often the dining room table – bills, insurance statements, school papers, notes from school. I’m STILL trying to get my girls to put things back when they’re done using them and clean up after themselves – they’re 9 & 12, so they are old enough to know better. Of course, I need to file more of this stuff away sooner rather than later, too, so things don’t pile up so much! (And they need to pick up their own stuff that’s all over the house…and keep socks and shoes in pairs! ) When I go through the mail I do check everything and immediately “file” the stuff I don’t need in the recycling bin, and for things I need to do something with I set aside–I should use some hanging trays and your folder idea to help with that!
I totally understand Stephanie. Life gets out of control sometimes. Hopefully you can get everything back on track using this system. 🙂
I try to store as much as possible on a flash drive
I just have one pile that I make sure to clear up by the end of the day or as soon as possible.
This idea makes tackling my piles (yes, plural) of papers not such a horrifying task.
I have been there Melissa. You can do it!
What a fun giveaway! Love the 3 folders idea & plan to use it this week to conquer a couple of paper piles in my kitchen.
I LOVE your idea for a “10 minutes a day folder”!!! I feel like I should apply this to every overwhelming area of home and work organization!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
I like this idea since my husband and I share workspace. Bless his heart, he hates clutter and I am bad about being a “pile person”. I don’t suffer from bill clutter as much as I suffer from here’s a weeks worth of 5, 6, & 7 year old art work the school just sent home! Don’t you LOVE it Mommy? Our little hearts will break if we see any of it even NEAR the trash! LOL
I totally get it Heather! Have you thought about using either an art portfolio or a binder for each of the kids to store their artwork? It would keep everything tidy and they could look back at what they have done for the year.
When my 7 yr old was starting school, I had a really good system of scanning them as he showed them to me (that way I could make a note of what it was I was looking at too) and letting him pick out his best one to display.
When his little brother started school, my scanner and computer must have had a big fight because they stopped speaking to each other! So, I switched to boxes for each. Now there are multiple boxes. We are a single car family as well so the time between school and getting back and forth is hectic and I just tend to be a pile person 😉
I understand being a one car family Heather!
I get rid of junk mail as it comes in. Bills and important papers get put in a folder like you use (also with stamps and address labels). I make myself a checklist of which bills get paid when (DH gets paid 2x monthly, and I split my bills accordingly). Like you, I like to see the bills in front of me, but I am trying to save on stamps and try automatic payments more often.
I’ve been trying to implement your tricks!!! But with 2 littles I’m having a hard time finding 10 minutes!!!! Ha!
I remember those days! Hang in there Alicia! 🙂
My “Spring Cleaning” project includes organizing and decluttering and have taken the steps to go with “paperless” billing and electronic payments…saving time and money. When the mail arrives, I open everything and get rid of the “junk” mail and “sort” things that need attention and “file” things that need to be kept. The best thing is to keep up with everything on a daily basis and don’t let it get out of hand.
I love your 3 folder idea. I also use a January-December file method where I put invites or things due in that month, other than bills, and then work on them when that month comes along. I also would love to implement the “touch every piece of paper once” theory.
I use a folder system similar to yours, except I organize by category. For example, I have a folder with each of my children’s names, another folder for work, etc. I think I like your system better though because it allows a way to utilize those random ten minute pockets of free time. Too often I stick stuff in the folder and don’t look at it again for months. I’m eager to try something new!
I have a paperwork problem. I’m going to try your folder system this week.
I’m going to have to try your three folder method. Our mail pile is out of control. Thanks for the tip!
File the paperwork when you get it. Don’t wait.
I have a drop box for papers that I go through once or twice a week.
With 3 boys in school, I am constantly shuffling paperwork/homework…..I try to recycle papers daily so they don’t pile up. Other than that I try not to handle papers more than once….ie move from one place to another to another…..
I have an expandable file in my desk drawer that is dated from the 1st of the month to the 31st of the month. I file by date so that when I have something that needs to be completed on that day I do it. If it can wait I move it to the next day. This way I keep everything organised and pay bills in a timely manner.
I organize by going through my mail the first thing when I get home and throw away the junk. The bills go into a folder I have for that sort of thing. But I like your idea too – I’ll have to try that!
I have ton’s of paperwork and I am always trying to get it organized. I can’t wait to try this method and also that Brain in a Binder, I need one of those!
I have ton’s of paperwork and I am always trying to get it organized. I can’t wait to try this method and also that Brain in a Binder, I need one of those!
Thanks Cher!
Folders for everything! I have one for kindergarten registration papers, one for medical bills. Then I use Paperless and our awesome scanner to scan anything I need to keep but not keep in physical paper form. Scan and shred. It’s helped a lot.
Thank you for the suggestions!
I love how simple this idea is! I can’t wait to try it!
I try to go through paperwork daily. Each adult has a mailbox. We have a filing cabinet for papers to hold on to a bin for school work to save and a bin for work to be signed and returned.
Paperwork is a constant commitment for me. I am going to try the 3 folder organization!!!
I try to go through each piece and deal with it then… I definately like your idea better!
I definitely have some paperwork that needs to be dealt with. I recently cleaned up my desk and shredded a bunch and filed some more. Now it’s time to deal with the paperwork in my “to do” file. After that a project that needs attention is getting into the files themselves and decluttering. Thanks for the tips!
I keep a basket that all things that need to be dealt with go in and I go through it every pay day. I use bill pay to save time from writing checks ans stuffing envelopes. I have another place that is for the things to file. I too sort everything the moment I get the mail…a lot goes in the garbage that i keep by my desk.
Great tips – thanks Emilie!
I go through mail everyday and throw out junk. I then put bills in a folder and write down when they need sent out, put things that need to be filed in a file section, and a later section for things dont need done that day. Similar to your system. When I dont do this things get out of hand quickly!
Sounds like you’ve got it together Jennifer!
I find that having a folder system (somewhat like yours) helps us a lot with paper clutter, and staying on top of things. The minute I let one or two things slide, everything starts to slide.
thanks for the tips! I have one folder – but things get lost in there… I love the 3 folder idea! Thank you!
Yes you can Darlene!
I am so excited Caroline – YAY for clean surfaces. 🙂
You can do it Christine!
Terrific idea to leave the junk mail in the Post Office trash!
Haha Julie! I love it! “Baskets should only be used for laundry”. Awesome!
Awesome Anita!
One thing that’s helped with organizing our paperwork, is just trying to have less of it, so we like go paperless with somethings and make use of google docs and google calendar.
I am going to tackle my paperwork with a vengence. I will begin tomorrow, but it will take a LONG time as I have boxes of papers all over the house.
You can do it Evelyn!
Thanks for the encouragement. I will try to post updates as I go along. One thing I came up with on my own is trying to do one basket,box,pile at a time. I have put off the chore because I feel like I have to gather them all together and then do them. I am never able to get them all together. Now, I am starting on my desktop and 1 basket I have at hand. I will then go to another one
I’d love to conquer my paper clutter!!
What a great idea! It’s so hard for me to want to file but using your folder idea and only taking a few minutes a day should make it bearable:)
I also try to deal with mail and papers daily. If I wait even a week, it becomes a big pile. I open mail next to the recycle bin and then put bills in the bill file. I pay every week. Other papers go in the to be filed folder, and I try to file every couple of weeks.
I must admit I really need help in this area. Just
last month I had a late fee. I’m going this weekend pick up folders and sticky note. Thanks for your help.
I use lots of files and bins to organize items. I like wall file organizers because I feel less cluttered than when they’re in/on my desk
I seem to always struggle with a paper pile. And a “I don’t know where to put it” pile. I am hoping this file folder idea will help me out with the paper pile!! Thanks for sharing.
For me, I pay the bill as soon as I receive it, the way that I do our monthly budget this works best for me, I have never had a late fee! All the other mail, the junk and magazines and catalogs, that I do not want, I try to go to the source, typically online or through a phone call and request not to be sent anymore. Sometimes it works, even if only for a few months before it starts again and sometimes it doesn’t, but every little bit helps.
I found that bills are so easy to sort into a photo box, complete with little dividers to label. Larger and more permanent filing works well in a magazine file and file folders. Simple, easy and helpful. I also love the 10 minutes a day for managing any pile-ups! Thanks for the give-away! Too cute!
I love organizing and decluttering, but not filing or dealing with papers. I finally dedicated a couple drawers in my kitchen as my home office and have one as a “to file” drawer so I don’t have stacks of papers on the counter top, decluttering my vision for dinner. It works well for this stage in my life with babies and toddlers!
I’m in the middle of several decluttering projects but I always get stuck on paperwork. I’m excited to try this method – I love how I could get it out of sight right away, but have a simple strategy to take care of it. (instead of forgetting it! ) Thank you!
Most annoying how I just get rid of a paper pile, only to find that it’s given birth to another pile right after it. I’m on the “paperless” trail now!
I try to scan important papers and place on hard drive.
My secret a good scanner
Great idea, love the colored folders, too! When bills come in, I open them immediately and toss the outer envelope and inserts, keeping just the bill and the reply envelope. When I pay them, I jot down the date, amount paid and check number on the part of the bill I keep. Also, we get quite a bit of mail at our P.O. box, so we dump unwanted circulars and junk mail that doesn’t need shredding right there so it never gets brought into the house in the first place.
I commit to working on my paper pile this week. I made a dent a couple of weeks ago, but I didn’t continue to do a little every day, and my desk (which wasn’t clear to begin with) is getting worse again.
Major paperwork sorting and purging going on this week!
WOW! I feel like I have been trying to tackle paperwork for years, using all different methods- but with crazy work schedules for my husband and I, and two young children- we never seem to be able to keep up with them-this is GENIOUS!!! I don’t know why it never even crossed my mind in all these years…. Now we are also in the midst of moving and the papers and Mail seem to be winning…. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU- I al going to tackle it this week… And will hopefully have my desk and dresser tops AND closets back by the weekend- you seriously don’t know how life changing this is for me!!!!!
Thank you for the awesome suggestion of the 3 sorting folders! I have always kept my paperwork neat & organized – until the past 6 months when things just got crazy. I have decided the trail has got to be tamed this week!! Will be using the folders sort. 🙂
Thanks for a bit of inspiration. I have a messy paper pile right now.
personal pep-talk time…I CAN do this!! thank you for breaking it down into manageable steps.
Great idea Ariel!
Thank you for the help with the paper clutter. I have been trying to
get my papers under control but I kept getting lost … Wow…. I think
this will work, I am excited to give it go. Love the after picture.
Gives me hope that I to will have a useable desk!
My pleasure Terry!
I have no problem with the bills, but where do you file with the things you want to save for reference at a later date?
It depends on what it is. Somethings I scan into Evernote – a free app you can download for your pc, Mac, phone or tablet. I have a folder for tax info for each year and I keep a binder with ideas I find in magazines divided into sections like home decor, celebrations and ideas for the kids. I file recipes in my recipe binder.
I use folders plus boxes to organize my paperwork .
Was just looking for some way to help my husband with his work desk! Going to do this for him this weekend. Great idea!
Glad that I could help Elise!
Glad I could help Shannon. I do receive a few bills by email. I write the due date on my calendar and file them in an email folder labeled “bills” so I know where to find it when it’s time to pay.
Glad you are joining us Olga!
This is what I have been looking for!! I was on a paper cleaning mission this past weekend but just ended up basically shuffling papers from one location to the next. Thank you!! After work I’m headed to buy some file folders!
Glad to help Maria!
So good to know that the ‘messy desk’ can be overcome. After taking care of someone with bipoloar for months, a sick neighbor, the illness and death of a dear pet, my own bout of sickness and then swirling into the depressed feeling from it all……I have boxes of papers to deal with……this is such a hopeful post because you and your family have been a lot, too. Thanks for the perfect incentive to face it all. Blessings to you and your family.
Yes, you can do it Joan! I love this method because it allows you to wait on the truly unimportant papers. 🙂
Love the folders! I use a binder for bills and it helps to keep them all in one place.
For some stuff I have it emailed to me or only pay online like utility bills. Each day i trash the junk mail as soon as I take it out of the mailbox! i place items in a file bin and file and shred once a month usually when I sit down to pay the bill!
Love the once-a-month shred idea Camille!
Sigh….I wish I had a secret for organization. My desk is COVERED with stuff. Most of it just needs filed or thrown away. Plus there’s a huge pile of homeschool stuff that needs dealt with too. Someday I’ll figure it out! 🙂
I don’t really have any ideas to share as I am horrible at keeping my paper work organized, but I am committed to tackling my paper work pile this week. thanks for the giveaway!
I trash junk mail as soon as it comes in & put look-at mail in a basket. The contents get sorted once a week: bills go into the Bills folder & what needs to be filed gets filed (ideally). Lately however I’ve been slacking on my filing, so 10 Minutes a Day sounds like a great idea!
I have a “Get To It” box 🙂
I’m so thankful for this post! I’m currently tackling paper and magazines. I was also looking for a new bill payment system and think I found it here! I wonder how people organize their bills if they receive online bills – do they keep them in their email or print them?
I’m beginning to believe that the paper in my house multiplies like rabbits while I’m asleep!
Wow! This is genius! I can’t wait to try this! We have a similar system. Bills go in a basket on the counter, to be filed papers get stacked inside a cabinet and other stuff goes in another cabinet…but I like that your method can be put in one of those paper sorters and put in a cabinet out of sight and off of my counters! Thanks!
Great idea Karla – thanks!
O my goodness, you think your desk is bad 🙂 mine has exploded in the past few weeks w/ everything in our life. accident, (yes again too), snow days, not normal schedule, etc….. hoping to get caught up this week 🙂 those goodies look so fun…… thank you
Sticky notes fall off, so I use a red, yellow and green file folder. Red for stop and do this now, yellow for loiter, and green for go and do something else and come back to this later.