KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – DE-CLUTTER THE PAPER IN YOUR HOUSE

We all have problems with too much stuff in our house. Sometimes the papers on my desk are literally falling off the edge. Even if you don’t have a business in your home we all have a huge amount of paper to deal with. First we need to analyze where the papers come from. Start by making a list of what types of papers you handle and then figure out what available space you have.

Sort and purge. Set up two bins: a keep pile and one for recycling or shredding. Make sure you shred anything that has any personal information and or account numbers. It’s best to use a crosscut shredder instead of the kind that simply shreds into strips. Ask yourself if you really need the documents you keep. Receipts and such can be kept in file folders labeled and kept in file cubes available at office supply stores.

I keep bills and items needing immediate attention in a wooden hold all with different sections. I put the due date on the corner of the bills so I know at a glance when I need to send them in. Many companies and utilities are urging us to go paperless. It’s a good idea for the environment outside and inside. Online banking can relieve you of much paper and stress.

Create a de-cluttering routine. Maintain the paper flow by sorting mail daily. Be ruthless when going through the mail. Get rid of all those holiday catalogs they are just more clutter. Are you really going to order from that catalog? If not throw it out! Go through your catalogs and other papers once a week and file or discard as necessary. With a little effort you can keep clutter under control.

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KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Posted: Tuesday January 10 2012 12:21 PM by Dean’s Team

Filed under: Kathy’s "Home & Garden" Tips!