Paperwork decluttering
Over the years I have used different methods for organising paperwork. Some years I have gone through months of putting things straight into beautifully labelled hanging files, and other years they just get thrown in a box like the above. Since October last year I got fed up with not being able to find things and bought a brand new lever arch file and have been putting things straight in there as they come into the house.
So, imagine my annoyance this evening when I wanted some paperwork for my upcoming tax return and knew that I would have to go through both of the ‘papers’ boxes and other random places around the house.
I did this whilst watching a movie with my girls; however, I didn’t want to put everything straight back into the boxes, so I took the opportunity to divide the papers into 5 or 6 different categories at the same time. These have gone back into the box in different colour labelled carrier bags for now.
Light at the end of the tunnel
This feels like it’s bringing me close to filing/organising them properly, and even if I don’t get around to that for a while, I will know which bag they are in.
Did I find the papers I was looking for?
No! About 15 minutes ago, I remembered that I’d put them in a tray in the utility room downstairs labelled ‘To do’.
I really must take control of all of this paperwork once and for all, and I think this weekend might be the time to do it whilst I am hyped up and motivated. It will not only move me forward with my daily challenge, but also tick off a long outstanding and annoying job from my list.
Until tomorrow…
Sandra
Papers! Ugh they are the worst. I get leery of tossing things because I think I will need them. I did buy a shredder and use it on a regular basis, the other thing I did was get a printer with a scanner so if I think it is important I scan it, so that way I can print it out if I ever need it, I find that I don’t need things as often as you might think so then I can sit down and go through the digital file and delete(so satisfying.)
Scanning some of the papers instead of storing them is a good idea. Thanks for the tip 😊
It is amazing how much you don’t need to keep.
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