TL;DR
Paper piles form because each piece has no place to go. Decide on every paper as it arrives: throw it away, file it in a reference system or put it in an action file on your desk. Cut incoming paper by canceling subscriptions and mailing lists, and keep a small, shallow in-basket for papers you can’t read right away.
Dear Kathi,
I have piles of paper spread all throughout my house. I am basically organized with the exception of all of this paper which is driving me crazy. Where should I start and how can I keep it under control?
Marilyn, Encinitas
Marilyn,
Piles of paper are piles simply because you don’t have a place to put each piece of paper when it comes into your life. After you look at each piece of paper, it needs to be either thrown away or stored in a proper location. Do not add it to a pile for future consideration.
If you don’t have time to read the papers as they come into your home, take action. Consider cancelling a few subscriptions, removing your name from mailing lists, or throwing some mail into the trashcan before you bring it into your home. There will always be items of paper that you don’t have time to read when they arrive. Create an “in basket” system. Make sure your basket is small and shallow. The smaller size will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. A real basket with a handle is exceptionally convenient for this purpose. You can carry it from room to room and read through it as you move into different parts of the house or even the backyard. Another step toward tackling your piles is to take a look at what type of papers you are collecting. Sort your existing paper into categories. While you are doing this, create a reference file folder system. When you read an item and wish to keep it for future use, file it when it is in your hands. Eliminate the papers that do not serve an immediate or important purpose. If the paper is something you need to work with in the future, create an action file. Keep your action file folders on top of your desk for easy access and a quick visual reminder. Remember file – don’t create a pile!
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.
Please submit your questions to: [email protected]. San Diego Professional Organizer
Keep reading
- Tired of Being Buried Under Paperwork?What you can shred, what to keep and how to stop receipts from piling up.
- Organizing PilesTwo baskets by the front door that stop piles from coming back.
Frequently asked questions
Why does paper pile up in my house?
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Piles of paper form simply because you don’t have a place to put each piece when it comes into your life. After you look at a paper, it needs to be thrown away or stored in its proper location. Do not add it to a pile for future consideration.
How can I reduce the amount of paper coming into my home?
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If you don’t have time to read papers as they arrive, take action at the source. Cancel a few subscriptions, remove your name from mailing lists, and throw some mail into the trash before you even bring it into the house.
What should I do with papers I don’t have time to read?
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Create an in-basket system. Keep the basket small and shallow so it never becomes overwhelming. A real basket with a handle works especially well, because you can carry it from room to room, or even into the backyard, and read through it wherever you are.
How do I start sorting existing piles of paper?
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Look at what types of papers you are collecting and sort them into categories. As you sort, create a reference file folder system. When you read something you want to keep, file it while it is in your hands, and eliminate papers that serve no immediate or important purpose.
What is an action file?
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An action file holds papers you need to work with in the future. Keep your action file folders on top of your desk, where they are easy to reach and act as a quick visual reminder. Kathi’s rule is simple: file it, don’t create a pile.
