Paperwork…
Did your heart just sink? Does your stomach feel queasy? Don’t worry, you are not alone. So many people struggle with keeping their paperwork organized and decluttered and who is to blame them? With all of the junk mail, advertisements, and statements we receive in the mail each day it is just plain hard to keep up.
Last week I transformed a client’s home office from this…
To this…
We went through every bin, drawer, and shelf and sorted the paperwork into piles that needed to be tossed, shredded, and filed. My client was a superstar, she was totally ready to get organized and let go of things which made the process much more efficient. Once everything was sorted, we created a filing system and put everything away. Now my client is in control of all of her documents and can find things in a moments notice.
If you are struggling with paperwork here are my favorite tips…
- Eliminate the majority the mail you receive by requesting paperless bank and credit card statements.
- Sort through all of your current files and create piles of items that need to be tossed, shredded, and filed.
- Evaluate your current filing system and make a list of pros and cons regarding what is working for you. Based on your list, purchase items that will help maintain the organization and functionality of the space. If you need help with this consult a Professional Organizer.
- Remember, always store your paperwork vertically instead of horizontally to prevent a pile up.
- Open your mail daily and immediately throw away junk, file important documents, and set a schedule for action items.
- Maintain! Maintain! Maintain! Staying organized is just like staying in shape, practice makes perfect. If you have trouble making time to file and act on important items, schedule a slot in your weekly calendar to keep you on track.
10 comments :
Great job, Amanda. Kudos to your client, too.
thanks for the tips. i struggle making time for filing, but i think i'll write it in my planner. it'll be difficult to avoid it when it's staring at me all week.
-dani
I wanted to say Ta-Da between the before and after picture. It really turned out great. Thanks for linking to We're Organized Wednesday.
Looks awesome! We are moving in and have yet to get the office organized. Thanks for your tips.
I guess I'm old-fashioned, but I like paper statements. They're real. I can touch them. I keep my paperwork organized and filed and I do clean out the files fairly regularly. There is a company in my area that schedules free “shred” days a few times a year, so I collect sensitive, unneeded papers in a box until then and get them shredded all at once.
WOW to both before and after pics, LOL! But the after pic is so much better, You did a great job organizing everything, well done.
The office looks wonderful and so clean and neat!! Great job- thanks for sharing this at my party!
Really great job. I am sure your client has a whole new outlook on her home office and its functioning.
I love this post Amanda! I got rid of my permanent desk and now use a folding table. I put it away each night, so I have to file every day!
I love looking at before and after photos of various home office and I must say you did great on your client's workspace. I personally like your tip on storing papers horizontally (I'm guilty of that one!) I just did a 10-minute de-clutter this morning. Guess its time to tackly those papers down under