Dear FlyLady,

I grew up in a home where my mother had papers everywhere–piles and piles–mixed with endless knick-knacks.  Paper clutter has always been a bane to me, and I have had my share of “Mount Papermore.”

So…..I have color coded and alphabetized my files;  I also have a master list of the hanging files above my file drawer with subject and color.  Each hanging file has about seven manila style folders within. It took me a concerted effort to set this up–and I purchased quite a few hanging files and file folders–but now it is just great.  When I file items, it takes me about five seconds to glance at my master list, look for the color and there’s the file! I plan to remove papers in December, paper clip each subject together, place them in our tax filing system, and leave the original colored folders for next year.  Voila!
–space for next year’s important papers.

I try to file mail everyday–usually I’m pretty successful, except for some busier weeks (and then I have Mount Papermore)  I have accepted the fact that managing paper is an integral part of the culture in which we live–and I need to give it my best effort. Just yesterday my husband asked for papers that are essential for tax preparation.  I have a “Tax File” wherein I just place any paper having to do with taxes.  I keep this easily accessible–in the front of my files.

It just takes a lot of focused, daily diligent effort to keep “up to date” files–but it feels great to have everything in order.  Once you have your filing system set up, fifteen minutes a day can keep the daily mail filed.  I have all our bills on our Bank’s auto-pay system–absolutely fantastic!  What a time (and stamp) saver!

Fly On!
Organized in LA

Please share your Paper Clutter stories, tips and routines with me.

Send them to FlyLady@FlyLady.net with PAPER CLUTTER in the subject line.

We have everything you need to keep your home shining! Sometimes we need a little motivation. Our efficient tools give us a jump start! They make a tough job fun. If you make it fun; it will get done!