Self Improvement > Organizing > Six Simple Systems to Avoid Paper Clutter
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Article rating : 0.00, 0 votes. Author : Bronwyn Ritchie
Say no to paper clutter. Don’t let it accumulate. Use these six simple systems to stay on top of the paper avalanche in your life.
1. Always use the maxim “Do it now.” It will take as much time later, as it does now, and if you leave it too long, the paper mountains will start to build.
2. Handle each piece of paper only once, if you possible can. So you either
Action it there and then e.g. answer a letter or
Give each piece of paper a home immediately. It may be your old Auntie’s favourite saying but it remains true. “A place for everything and everything in its place.” For any incoming piece of paper, this will depend on your individual circumstances but the place may be
a. Tickler file – so that the item is dealt with on a certain date
b. Recycle or rubbish bin
c. Permanent home in a file (See my article on filing "File it to find it")
d. Current project/Current action file
3. What to do with mail?
Open the mail at your desk and preferably over the rubbish bin and close to your main files. Recycle the envelope or bin it. Put the junk mail into the bin. Then either answer the mail or file the material. Keep it together with a paper clip or a rubber band, so you have all the material you need to action it later.
4. If you add paper to a file, try to take out as much as you put in. At least review the rest of the file with a view to
a. Culling, and
b. Potential use for the material
5. Develop a system of returning to files.
* Archived material is usually archived for a particular period, so regularly dispose of files no longer required there. Make a series of dates in your diary to do this
* Make dates with yourself, too, to regularly review motivational materials or resources.
* And commit also to returning regularly to your current projects file – daily, weekly or at times appropriate to the projects.
6. If you can only operate by having reminders visible on your desk, use wire baskets or clear Perspex trays so you can see the paper there and can make sure it is not growing out of control.
Bronwyn Ritchie is a speaker, writer, librarian and trainer and she manages Pivotal Points - resources for the times in your life when you pivot - change direction - towards a better you, a better life. For more tips and articles on organising and improving yourself and your life, visit http: http://www.consultpivotal.com/personal_management.htm
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