Paper Overload – Spring Cleaning to the Rescue!

 

As someone who is meticulous about organizing at home and on the job, I can admit there is room for improvement when it comes to reducing my paper clutter. In fact, right now I have a stack of papers sitting on top of my paper shredder just waiting for my attention. Whether its copies of credit card statements and tax returns, cards from friends, or stacks of receipts – there’s a lot of paper to keep track of and its cluttering up my very small apartment! On top of that, I’m moving soon and I want to get it all organized before the movers show up. If you’re in spring cleaning mode like me, here are some quick tips to help you get this issue under control once and for all.

 

Make the Time – We all have good intentions when it comes to spring cleaning projects, but sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the week to get everything done. Mark the date you plan to conquer your clutter and take small breaks every hour to re-energize so you don’t get overwhelmed with the task at hand. Also, keep high protein snacks handy to help you stay energized and focused.

 

Use Folders or Binders – Instead of keeping all your papers in a desk drawer (or in a pile on top of your desk!), organize by categories and slip them into a folder. For example, have one folder for instruction manuals, another for files on your car’s maintenance and insurance, and another for healthcare records. I use a hanging file folder storage box. If you prefer to use a smaller filing system, simply hole-punch the folders and keep everything nice and orderly in a three-ring binder. You can even add tabs or color coding to sort documents chronologically or by topic.

 

Save and Back-up Files– Keeping more documents in soft-copy form will help you cut down on the amount of paper you keep, and free up space around your home. Though when saving copies of important paperwork on your computer, you should also save them on a back-up hard drive, memory device or CD. By backing the files up, you’ll still have access to them should your computer die. I learned this lesson the hard way several years ago when my computer bit the dust. All my files were saved to the hard drive and I didn’t back them up on another device, so I had to pay a computer technician to retrieve them. If you need to scan documents, many FedEx Office centers have scanners in the computer rental area. 

 

I hope these home organization tips help you get a head start on your daunting spring cleaning project. And leave a comment to share your own ideas for getting the mountains of paperwork at home under control!

 

Related FedEx Office Solutions: Office Supplies, Computer Rental

Comments

Shred, Shred, Shred

I got a shredder a while back and man that thing makes you get rid of useless papers!  Just give the kids a box of paper and watch them go nuts over it. :-)  They run out pretty quickly so you have to go through more piles to find them more to shred. LOL!  Works like a charm. :-) 

This is so true! I got my

This is so true! I got my six-year-old godson to help me shred once and he breezed right through that project.

Grea ideas!

I have been pretty good about using folders to organize free papers.

 

I do need to rely more on computer backup of loose leaflets laying around.  Even programs like Evernote can help keep your notes and task lists without them piling up on the desk!

 

The Time is Today

Great tips and thanks for motivating me today.  I will be spending time today getting my paper organized....thanks.

awesome

I had no idea you could rent a scanner!  We've been on the look out for a new one so that'd be a great way to "test drive" before we commit. 

 

Great Tips

Thanks for the great tips.  I really need to work on paper clutter.

I need to do this!

I was getting on top of the clutter a few minutes at a time. I was using the Flylady.com time method and it was working so well. Well a dog with cancer, neck surgery, then she passed away. Now I have a new puppy. Still I know I have 10 min at a time to go through a stack and I would be amazed at the progress. If I am just sticking them in a stack to file, they never make it there. Thanks for the reminder. I need it and hope it sticks. I do throw more away when it comes in the door now. I started couponing and its made more mess and taken most of my time. Spend so much looking and cutting I don't wanna go to store or its a last min mad dash. I am disabled but still this clutter should be more organized!!Have a few folders. Just getting those filled with insurance info, receipts and manuals is a start!

 

Shannon

time

If I set a day aside to clean or organize something specific I actually get it done. I have to schedule it or I'll keep putting it off!

Helpful

As I've been getting my blog going over the past couple of weeks, I have not had time to clean. Papers, ads, etc. are scattered on the tables, floor, and sofas. Great tips for me to work on this week!

 

Needed this

I am moving soon too, and these are great tips and a little push to get me going!

I never knew you could rent a

I never knew you could rent a scanner, or even a computer for that matter.  Thanks for the tips!

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