Managing Paper In Your LIfe

Do you remember the days when computers were just getting started and we were looking forward to becoming a paperless society? It just didn't happen, in fact we have just as much if not more paper now than before computers.

There is so much paper that comes into our homes and offices we can't read it all. We need to be selective and stay focused on what is important to read or to get rid of, or the tops of our desks, counter tops or tables will never be seen again, not to mention we will be totally over whelmed by our stack of things to read or to sort through, which can lead to not getting the important things accomplished on time.

Some strategies we can use to help eliminate the paper struggle is: deal with paper that comes into our offices or homes every single day, there will always be more 'important' things to do and paper stacks will continue to collect, making it harder to find the important papers among the clutter.

As you pick up each piece of paper immediately sort it by importance. Three piles are usually sufficient. Make one for urgent things, important but not urgent, and not important. Work on the urgent things first, and then the not so important but needs attention at some point. Do not get in the rut of reading junk mail; put it in the recycle bin or shredder as soon as you pick it up.

Make it a habit to keep your desk, counter or table paper free. Make sure all paper is in its home at the end of the day. When you get in the habit of taking care of all paper at the time you pick it up it will become a habit which eliminates piles of paper and information getting lost. If you keep to this routine in a few weeks time you will have formed the habit of taking care of paper and eliminating clutter. The reduced piles of paper will free up time in your life and space in your office or home. You will enjoy the freedom you will feel by not having paper cluttering you space, time and mind.

Marilyn Bohn's Bio

Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and is working towards becoming a Certified Professional Organizer. She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.

For more tips on organizing go to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips, interesting blogs and helpful articles on organizing.