Do you suffer from TMPS? Too Much Paper Syndrome.

Where does all your paper clutter come from?

“They” said that with the invention of the computer we would be paperless. Ya right, we have 20% more paper now than we ever had before. Why? Fear. People print things because of the fear of not being able to find it on their computer, or their computer blowing up or, or, or. Why do you print?

Check out these TOP 5 Tips from Getting It Together on How to Reduce Paper Clutter Once and For All.

Tip#1 Trust.

There is a level of trust that comes with conquering your paper clutter. You need to believe that if you toss papers and then realize you need it later that you will be able to get the information from someplace else. You also need to trust your computer and how it is backed up.

Tip#2 Go Paperless.

Stop paper from coming into your home by switching to online bill payments.

Put a note in your mailbox to stop all junk mail.

Tip#3 Systems.

Do you prefer to have everything on your phone or do you like to have a system for jotting down to-dos, notes to family members and phone messages. Pick one method and stick to it.

Tip#4 Shred it.

Get yourself a small shredder. Make sure it crosscuts to protect your privacy. Get one that can shred about ten sheets of paper at once. You might not need that right now, however down the road it is one of the better shredders to have. Shred all unnecessary papers in your home that have any of your personal information on it. Keep in mind that you only need to keep important documents for 7 years.

If you have years and years of documents, a professional shredding company will come to your home and do it right before your eyes.

Tip#5 Take 15.

Take 15 minutes each day. Take a small handful of papers. Sit down. Handle each piece of paper ONCE. Deal with that piece of paper. Does it need to be tossed, shredded, or recycled? Is it a bill that needs to be paid? Set it up on automatic payment and go paperless while you are at it. Are there school notices, kids’ art work in those piles? Deal with each piece of paper ONCE.

Going through papers is not that much fun. Why not treat yourself to hands on organizing session with me. We can conquer your paper clutter once and for all.

Before we book an appointment, you get a FREE 15-minute phone consultation. In that consultation we will discuss your needs and concerns. I’ll give you some tips on how to move forward with clearing the paper clutter prior to us getting together.

Getting It Together is a Professional Organizing company serving Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, the Tri-Cities, Langley, Maple Ridge and beyond. Get in touch today rowena@gettingittogether.ca