Let’s Talk About PAPER!

Are you overwhelmed by paper? Do you keep everything because you worry that if you don't you'll regret it? Are you still waiting for your lottery check to arrive in the mail?

Sadly, once you are fully adulting, the mail is very rarely exciting. Usually it's bills, advertisements or political nonsense. With the exception of the odd package or card, it's usually one big letdown (Dale the Mailman, it's not personal!). However, a few simple strategies around the handling of mail and paperwork can at least keep it from adding to your clutter and stress.

- Don't let it accumulate. When you get your mail (DAILY, PLEASE), bring it right to your trash/recycling. Sort through it then, tossing junk mail and sorting out items that need to be dealt with.

- Add a sorting system to help give you a visual cue of the action needed. Example categories: Bills to Pay, Action Needed (ie. invites that need an RSVP, schoolwork to be signed, permission slips, class action lawsuit letters (am I the only one that ALWAYS does these? I have been surprised at the money I get!), etc. etc.

- Once you have paid bills, you don't need to keep them unless you think you need to reference it again (medical bills for the current year are a good example). It's worth investing in a small shredder so they can be safely discarded. Shred anything with your identifying information, checks that have been cashed on your mobile app, or anything else you wouldn't trust in your trash and recycling.

- No need to save user manuals - you can find the info you need online. Insurance policies can also usually be found online if needed.

- You should save 7 years of tax records in a file folder. I love desktop file boxes for paperwork you need to save. They take up less space than a file cabinet, and there's plenty of space for everything we need paperwork-wise.

- Consider saving your important paperwork - social security cards, will, titles, birth certificates - in a fire proof safe box. It should at least be together in a file in your file cabinet or box.

The key to keeping paperwork under control is dealing with it as it happens. If you handle it everyday, you don't have to catch up and maintenance is a breeze.

That's all, folks!