How One Lazy Gal Keeps Paper Clutter Organized
Paper Clutter Is A Pet Peeve
Seldom do you see the word organized and lazy in the same sentence. Seems like one is the opposite of the other. Keep reading and see how you really can be lazy and organized!
Motivational Monday
Another Monday is already here. Looking at our “to do reminders” on the calendar this week, I see that by Wednesday I’ve got to get the business tax things over to the CPA. Yes, tax season is approaching once again. In years past, this meant endless hours hunting and gathering all the essential paper crap stuff that the IRS decided we need to keep. It also required a physical storage system to house paper clutter no one ever needed to see again. Oh yeah, except that one Visa receipt that had faded unreadable! I’m the kind of lazy person who can spend hours on something I want to do, and yet burn out in 10 minutes on tasks that I dread.
Scanning, Filing and Shredding Eliminates Paper Clutter
About 10 years ago we started scanning everything we needed to keep and then shredding the documents. GASP! We’ve had complete dinner party conversations about how others could “never do that” because of all the time it would take to go back and scan all those “important” documents and “what if” they need a copy of something.
Really? In today’s world, chances are you are going to send the “copy” digitally to whomever must see it. For the few cases where you need a paper copy you can reprint a fresh one that has not faded into glory. Original paper documents that must be kept should probably be in a safe deposit box for safety. Additionally, after checking with our attotney and CPA they all assured me they keep our records safe and sound. Works for me. Thanks to a scanner and shredder, we no longer have a filing cabinet for personal or business items.
Printers with scanners are ok but take too much time for this lazy girl. I’d much rather use a smart phone app and email the items to myself to quickly place in folders I keep in an annual file. Easy-peasey and when I need to find my eyeglass prescription, or win an argument about how much Phantom of the Opera tickets costs when it debuted, I’m ready.
We shred everything that has our address and other identifying info on it. Labeled junk mail comes in the door and directly to the shredder. Identity theft is certainly a concern, but moreover for us its the unending about of paper that sneaks in the house each day that makes me crazy. Everyday we scan, shred and then dump the remainder in the recycle bin. To me, burning out a shredder makes me happy! Our current one is 9 years old and complaining daily. Eyeing the one above and will try the lubricating sheets this time to keep this puppy happy.
The Best Way To Get Organized If You Are Lazy
As far as finding the time, decide what system you can use that will keep you motivated and start today. Move forward and don’t miss a day. Lazy people can do a few minutes a day instead of being faced with tasks that seem endless. Maybe you will go back through the old paper, and maybe you won’t. Either way, today you start controlling that paper clutter.
Stay Organized With Simple Systems That Work
After you are virtually paper free you may have some office system items that need new purposes. How about this to address another pet peeve of many mine…plastic container lids! These things must have legs because they escape constantly. URGH!
Lazy, Organized People Have More Time To…
- read, sleep, entertain
- play sports, exercise, garden
- go to movies, plays, concerts
- more time to be Moms, Dads, Nanas and Paps
- volunteer and care for others
- write blogs (lol..negates most of the above)
One Last Pet Peeve Turned Into A Plus
Since I am baring my soul, and confessing so many of my personal pet peeves today, I must talk about band aids. Mr. LBD is a band-aid hoarder. He has every size and kind of the plasters, except for the one he actually needs at the time. Thus a trip to the drugstore always brings in a new box. Alas, being the cheerful Pollyanna I am, I’ve found a new use for these babies. This goes along with my rule for making sure any paper that does enter our home goes right back out!
Is Paper Clutter Making You Sick?
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Hi Laurel, what a refreshing way to start the week. Some very good points there about scanning and shredding! Lxx
These are the things that finally worked effortlessly for me. It’s a habit now.
I love organizing my spaces, but there are too many times that life gets in the way!! (meaning…don’t look at my desk right now…ha ha)
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That’s why I choose 5 minutes a day before I shut down and prevent the stress! Everyone has what works for them.
Great tips! I am getting ready to go over my taxes as well, it’s annoying but I keep pretty organized throughout the year! This is a great system you have!
It deliver’s peace of mind with its portability as well!
I’m a huge fan of scanning everything 🙂 At least my work office is totally without paper 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
That’s exactly how I started…for work and suddenly a light bulb went on and made personal paper disappear as well. It’s rather easy once we start!
Oh my goodness, we have so much paper! Yes, it drives me nuts too. What a great system you have- I love your tip. Being more organized is my 2018 goal. 🙂
Recipes count in all of this don’t they! I have an app I have used successfully for this as well. Enjoying your new posts on your blog too.