This week for Project Simplify we had to tackle paper clutter. I am by no means even halfway through this, but I did get started, and partially worked out a system to stop the clutter before it starts.
A couple years back I did start implementing a system in late 2008 in my panic-before-the-baby-nesting phase. It consisted pretty much of a folder for each category, and the wooden magazine holders. But lately things haven't been ending up in the folders, but instead in a lovely pile on our too small computer desk.
I decided to tackle that this week. I also added some binders for certain categories, one is labeled Kieran and everything concerning him will go there. I made one for current utilities as well. In France it's quite often that you need to prove your address with a utility bill that is no older than three months, so I will keep those in a binder, then move them into the folders once a month. In theory.
In my decluttering I also came across a handy article which says how long we need to hold on to different kinds of documents, so I will use that as a guide to empty out the folders which are becoming quite stuffed.
I think I will paint the magazine holders grey to match the binders. That patterned paper is by Studio Calico and came in the December 2010 kit. The labels are from Pugly Pixel.
I still need to work out some sort of inbox/action item system so that paper gets dealt with and filed ASAP instead of hanging around on the desk for months. How do you deal with your incoming mail and other paper clutter?
