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DROWNING IN PAPER? Here are my top tips to help you keep paper at bay... |
Too much paper in your life? You're not alone.
The mail arrives at your door 6 days a week, and there's a never-ending stream of magazines, newspapers and catalogues, e-mails and articles you've printed out, take-out menus and coupons. Just thinking about all that paper makes you want to SCREAM - but wait - you really can stay on top of the paper pile-up. You need only a game plan and some simple strategies.
1: CURTAIL JUNK MAIL. The Federal Trade Commission Website, www.ftc.gov spells out how to remove yourself from lists. On their home page (upper right hand corner), type in 'telemarketing and email' and click on the "search" button. The second link from the top says "Unsolicited Mail, Telemarketing and E-Mail. Click on that link. There's some very useful information on this site.
2: OPT OUT OF CATALOGUES by going to www.catalogchoice.org. OR by calling the company directly. If you call the catalogue company directly ask that your name be taken off the "SHARE INFO" LIST so that they won't sell your name and address to other catalogue companies.
If everyone in the United States reduced the junk mail (s)he receives each week, 100 million trees would be spared each year.
3. ANYTHING WITHOUT A FIRST CLASS STAMP SHOULD BE DISCARDED IMMEDIATELY.
4. KEEP A TRASH BASKET, A SHREDDER AND A RECYCLE BIN NEAR YOUR DESK: Sounds simple, but you'd be surprised by how many homes and offices I see that are "clutter-ful" because these basic items aren't close-at-hand.
5. SORT MAIL AS YOU RECEIVE IT BY THE ACTION IT REQUIRES:
(A) PAY
(B) FILE
(C) READ
(D) TOSS - (Resist the urge to put things in a temporary place "just for now" Adopt a DO IT NOW approach instead of a "JUST FOR NOW" approach. Remind yourself:
IT'S EASIER TO KEEP UP THAN CATCH UP!
Add names/addresses into your Contact database immediately as you receive them..
Enter dates, invitations and meetings immediately into your Planner or Calendar as soon as you receive them.
6. - ASK YOURSELF THESE KEY QUESTIONS TO DETERMINE WHICH PAPERS TO KEEP AND WHICH TO TOSS:
(A) Are there tax or legal reasons to keep it?
(B) Is this information I refer to often (or will need to refer to in the
future)?
(C) Will this help me complete a current project?
(D) Do I have the time required to take action on it?
(E) Would my work suffer if I didn't have it?
(F) If I need this information again, can I get it someplace else?
(G) Is the information current?
7. And finally - BE JUDICIOUS ABOUT WHAT YOU PRINT (both e-mails and articles)!!!!!!!!!! I print less than 1% of my e-mails and "file" the "keepers" in folders in my computer.
Go forth, dear Readers, and dive into those unruly piles of paper. Let the shredding and tossing begin.... and have an organized week!
Nancy
FUN FACT: FOR EVERY HOUR WE SPEND ORGANIZING, WE SAVE 3-4 HOURS!
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