Around the Home in 80 Days: Destination – Paper Clutter Toss

Days 1-7:Â Destination: Toss-Out

There are many aspects of de-cluttering a home that can seem quite daunting. My experience has shown that paper clutter tops most everyone’s list. As it is nearing tax time, perhaps this problem is becoming more evident. Like most everything else, you need to come up with a system. You need to toss immediately what you don’t need, and sort and file the important papers. Don’t allow the clutter to build up.

Materials needed for Days 1-7:

• Box, drawer, or basket for bills
• 3 Ring-binder
• 3-hole punch page protectors
• Paper shredder for documents with personal information
• Trash bags

Day 1:Â

Set the timer for 15 minutes and grab a bag and start tossing the papers that you know are clutter. Toss junk mail, expired coupons, old fliers, etc.

Day 2:Â

Create a bill paying system. Choose a drawer, grab a basket, or choose a box that will be devoted solely to upcoming bills. When you get your mail, open the envelope and toss out the inserts and immediately place the bill in its home.Â

Day 3:Â

Go online and check into online payments for your bills.Â

Day 4:

Set the timer for 15 minutes and toss out more paper clutter.

Day 5:

Begin purging your old magazines. Now is the time to get rid of the magazines that you are hanging onto for one or two articles, and create more space in your place. If the articles are seemingly that irreplaceable, simply tear out the pages and put inside a page protector and place into a binder. I have two separate binders, one for recipes and one for home decorating and organizing ideas.  Â

Day 6:

Set the timer for 15 minutes and toss out more paper clutter. If you are unsure whether a paper is clutter or not, save it until next week when we will get more detailed about what to keep and for how long.

Day 7:

Follow-up on any unfinished projects from this week. If all of your paper clutter has been purged, enjoy your day of rest!Â

Next week we will focus on Days 7-13 in which we will create a filing system. You will need a filing drawer or bin, hanging files (at least 20), and tabs.

Enjoy the journey,
Betsy

Don’t forget to check with your area’s recycling center and recycle all that you can!Â
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