Sort your mail and other papers. Throw out, recycle or shred everything you don't need right away. File away things you need to keep (statements, ID, etc.). Now you're left with one pile -- things that require action. And you have a clean space in which to complete the rest of your paperwork.
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Probably MOST of my clutter in the house is paper! I have tried to keep up with the recent things, but have gotten behind again since I have been working out every weekday and go to the camper on the weekends. When I get in from work, I am exhausted mentally and physically. My biggest concern is identity theft, so will not through out anything with confidential info on it without shredding or burning it. I have boxes of paper mixed in with other things in the basement and in a spare room. I am hoping to find time in the winter to go through it and clear if out. If I can at least move it to bags by themselves, I will be able to burn them at the campground,,,,much easier than shredding!
TEXASRN28/4/2010 12:55:00 AM
This helps keep everything straight.
GOALIEGRANDMA38/3/2010 11:18:00 PM
I'm getting better at this. I pay a bill the day it arrives, either online or via mail. That has helped plenty. Junk mail goes directly to trash, etc. etc.
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It's really hard for me to throw away paperwork - always afraid I'll need it. I'm using a free pdf maker program on my pc and scanning documents, filling them on a portable hard drive, and then shredding the paperwork. Periodically I backup onto DVD's. I also recycle the shredded paperwork to get it out of the house.
MORE INFORMATION:
I wouldn't shred IRS, contracts, etc. until they are out of date (with IRS I err on side of longevity just in case).
It not only frees up space but it's a good feeling to watch all that stuff leave. Whenever possible I use electronic billing so that I'm getting less in the mail.
Summer produce is overflowing--and cheap! Whether you grow it or buy it, it's easy to preserve your food so that you can save money and eat better long after the harvest is over.
