FILES

Okay, do you have papers scattered around your house in different piles, waiting to be placed somewhere???

If you answered yes then begin by gathering up your documents. Pull out stray files, grab the latest round of bills, and empty that kitchen or office drawer, stuffed with papers you've been meaning to get to for years, then sort everything into ten piles:

• Monthly Bills (utilities, etc.)
• Bank Statements
• Pay Stubs
• Investment Statements (pension updates, 401(k) statements, brokerage and fund statements, and so forth)
• Tax Returns and Supporting Docs
• Policy Documents and Deeds (insurance policies (health, dental, life, home deeds, car title…)
• Warranties and User Manuals
• Forever Docs (things like marriage license, will, birth certificate, social security cards.)
• Receipts (for 3 months back)
• Medical and Dental records and receipts.

Next, create a folder for each type of document and add new papers as they come in. Then create folders within the folders: Take ongoing bills, for example. Store all water bills in one folder, electricity bills in another, phone bills in a third, and so on. If possible, keep all folders in a fireproof, water-resistant file cabinet or box; if not, a shelf or drawer will do.

I don’t have a filing cabinet, so I just use my armoire in my living room, and just one of those crates to hang my folders on for now!! Whatever works for you…It is just important to make a home for your paper, so you don’t have them staring you in the face everyday.

HOMEWORK: find all your water bills and make a special folder for them. Then have a great and ORGANIZED weekend!!!

Reduce your paper clutter

5 Things that can reduce your paper clutter

1. Get off all mailing lists.
2. Open all your mail by your “ROUND FILING CABINET.”
3. Tell companies not to sell your address.
4. Only order magazines you read.
5. Consolidate your credit cards.


***Put 1-2 hours in your schedule a week to eliminate clutter. Always evaluate, categorize, file and throw out papers.***


On Friday Learn about what files you need to put your papers in their proper homes!!

Do you have paper clutter??

When people enter my home they always ask…WHERE ARE ALL YOUR STACK OF PAPERS????

I always tell them, I ONLY KEEP WHAT I HAVE TO!!!!

***While you are going through mail or your kids school work or through other papers, ask yourself…Did I ask for this information?***

• Is this the only place the information is available? Or can I get it online?
• What is the worst thing that could happen if I trashed this paper?
• Are my kids going to be crushed if I throw this away? I tell my kids they can hang it up on the fridge for 1 week, then it goes in the “round filing cabinet.” (I know all of you think I am heartless because I have come to love my round filing cabinet!) Tell your kids they can keep 5-10 papers or projects a year, then file them in their “special boxes.” Each of my kiddos have there very own SPECIAL BOX!! If the project is to big for the box, take a picture of them holding it, and then file it in there special box!
• Only keep and cut out the coupons from the mail that you are going to use, then find a home for all coupons. Make sure you discard all coupons that are expired.

***Come back Wednesday and learn 5 things that will reduce your paper clutter.***