If you want to stop paper clutter from taking up space in your place, you may only need to ask two questions.
Why am I printing this?
Why am I keeping this
Let’s dive into these questions a little more so you can halt paper clutter in its tracks.
1. Why am I printing this?
In the simplest of terms, if you think before you print, you will reduce a lot of paper clutter. Often, you are printing it out of habit. Or because you are afraid you won’t be able to find the information again.
First, break the habit of mindless printing by asking the question before you print. And second, most paper you print up (aside from tax and other important life documents) you can easily find again online. So instead of hitting Command + P, save your document on your computer, create a clearly defined folder, and store it in OneDrive or Dropbox.
The more you get in the habit of doing this and looking for saved items online, the less physically cluttered you will be. {Also, you might be able to get rid of your printer. Shocking, I know, but true}.
2. Why am I keeping this?
Asking this question forces a little intentionality. Why are you keeping this? Is it something you need to refer to again that can’t be easily duplicated? Does it fall into a category of “important papers”
The reality is that much of the paper we let in and choose to keep is paper we rarely refer to again. If you grew up in the late 1900s, as my daughter refers to it, you are accustomed to paper. It has been part of the fabric of your life. You used it in school, at home, and in any job you had.
So it is understandable how difficult it might be to let go of the very thing that is causing much of the stress in your space.
Paper is nothing more than visual clutter – that you don’t need and can control.
While there are some papers it makes sense to save (like Wills other important papers that are difficult and costly to duplicate), the majority probably falls into the visual clutter category. And learning how to reduce that visual clutter will create a space that feels more like an exhale.
Of course, if you want to let go of the paper that has already taken up too much space in your place, those two questions are a start.
If you are…
- sick and tired of looking at paper piles
- annoyed that you can’t find what you need – easily
- feeling anxiety about someone else going through your paper one day
- overwhelmed with one more thing you have to manage
…it is time to take more measures and get rid of the paper you have already let in.
Here are 5 ways to get rid of your paper clutter
1. Go paperless.
Where you can, get statements, reports, and bills sent to you online. You don’t need to be getting that kind of mail anymore. Confirm that you can get past statements online and shred what you have.
2. Eliminate paper catalogs.
Physical catalogs don’t just take up space. They can create a sense that you need to do something with them. When a catalog is sitting there, you may feel compelled to look through it, find something you “need,” or buy simply because it’s available. Instead, go online when a need arises. Removing the visual reminder can make it easier to buy only what you need. Catalogchoice.org is an organization that will, on your behalf, help you opt out of catalogs. They will also help you significantly reduce junk mail – another major clutter producer.
3. Digitize medical records.
Most hospitals and doctors’ offices keep digital files, and you can access them, too. If you still want to keep records for yourself, scan them and save them in a digital file.
4. Scan children’s artwork and keepsakes.
When my daughter would come home with a good report card or work of art from school, we displayed it in a spot in the kitchen and rotated things out monthly. If what was rotated out stirred my heart, or my daughter’s, I scanned the item and put it in one of the yearly digital photo books I create. It is a great way to preserve the memories, easily see them again, and save space to boot.
5. Toss photographs.
Sort out what you like from the duplicates, poor images, or photos of things you don’t want or even remember. Scan or display the rest. They are not serving you stuffed in a box in the basement. Create a digital photo book through one of the many companies that make it easy to turn your treasured keepsakes into something you can actually enjoy.
_____________________
Looking for a starting point for your paper clutter? Schedule a free Clutter Breakthrough Session for the guidance you need to start your clutter-free journey more confidently.
