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Drowning in Paperwork

© Mari Brodersen

HELP!

I'm drowning in paperwork! It has taken over my library/computer room, as well as the kitchen counter nearest the phone. And there is no end in sight!

Paperwork's reproductive capacity appears to exceed that of aphids. How does it happen? What can be done about this plague?

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

Paperwork finds its way into our homes in various guises. It may come home from work with you, or it may completely take over your mailbox. It climbs out of your briefcase or purse and strews itself over any available surface.

Paperwork takes many forms - bills, bank statements, junk mail, sales receipts, coupons, lists - to name a mere handful of its varieties and permutations. In addition, unsolicited catalogues and magazines may find their way into your home.

TAMING THE PAPER PLAGUE

First of all, leave work at work - that includes any and all paperwork that belongs at the office! Chances are you won't read it or file it at home.

Throw away all junk mail immediately. There's a large trash bin near my community's mail boxes. As soon as I get my mail, I stand next to the bin and throw away all junk mail and unsolicited catalogues. When I get home, all I have left are personal letters, bills, bank statements, catalogues to which I subscribe, and magazines to which I subscribe.

Once you get your mail into the house, go through it. Pay bills immediately, or devise a system for paying them on time. For example, I've created a calendar with pockets for each month. I write a bill's due date in red ink on the envelope and put it in the pocket for the appropriate month - with the due date prominently displayed. If you do this, however, you will need to check weekly to see if you have bills due. I've set aside Sunday evenings for bill-paying.

I have a similar system for sales receipts. I tuck them into a pocket for the appropriate month. If they're not needed for tax, warranty, or return purposes by the end of the year, I throw them out. It's a good idea to invest in a paper-shredder and to shred any receipts that have your credit card number or any identifying information on them.

Bank statements should be filed immediately. Then set aside some time during the week to reconcile your statements with your accounts. I treat credit card statements as I do bills. If your bank sends you credit-card checks that you don't use - shred them!

The copyright of the article Drowning in Paperwork in Living Simply is owned by Lin Edwards. Permission to republish Drowning in Paperwork in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.