The upcoming tax season presents the perfect opportunity for decluttering papers and receipts. I know this is often a dreaded time for many, especially those who are particularly busy and not a fan of hunting for papers and crunching numbers. For those of you with decision fatigue, I know this category can be tricky, so I will be more than happy to help you through the process.
Ultimately, decluttering this area will help provide mental clarity and make it easier to find the papers you need. There is no greater feeling than letting go of the mental load you probably don't even know you are carrying from the daily mail, bills, and paperwork piling up. We'll come up with a system and solution that works for you so you're not roaming around from room to room rifling through papers that don't matter to get to what is valuable. If you are ready to simplify your paperwork, let's get started!
Your goal for this month is to keep papers and receipts that are current, necessary, and valuable.
3 QUICK DECLUTTERING TIPS:
1. STOP THE SOURCE - Ask your postmaster to assist you in unsubscribing from circulars, catalogs, and magazines you no longer wish to receive. Go through your mail next to a recycling bin, trashcan, or shredder so you can take care of it right away before you even set it down.
2. BACK IT UP - Most paper clutter can be stored digitally. Scan and place your paperwork in a password protected file on your computer, cell phone, or other device. Be sure to back important paperwork up in at least two places such as a fireproof box and Google Drive or Dropbox. Some companies will scan and dispose of paperwork for you for a small fee. Don't send them sensitive documents.
3. CREATE A SYSTEM - Investigate your current habits to determine what kind of system would be useful. Would a basket, paper tray, or filing cabinet be useful? Perhaps an accordion portfolio or filing box would work. Consider the amount of paper you have and what your needs are. I find it helpful to have an organized system that includes incoming, important, and outgoing mail. Be sure to keep a separate fireproof box or safe for important documents relating to social security cards, birth certificates, medical records, and other documents that are difficult to replace.
My System for Instant Organization - Use these File Folder Labels to help you understand what categories to keep.
If you would like more guidance and helpful Step-by-Step tips for decluttering, including comprehensive information on which kinds of paperwork to declutter - get the Free Decluttering Guide and sign up for our mailing list to be alerted when our Decluttering Course goes live! Don't forget to Like and Follow our Facebook Page so you can join our community and gain access to the next Decluttering Challenges! I'll see you there!
LET'S CHAT: How do you manage your paper clutter? Let me know in the comments!