Tackling the Paper Pile

If you’re like most people, you probably have piles of paper hiding somewhere—on your kitchen counter, stuffed into cabinets, stacked in your office, or even boxed up in the basement. Paper has a funny way of multiplying, almost like rabbits, and before you know it, it feels completely overwhelming. Between junk mail, school papers, bills, and documents, it can be tough to keep up.

So how do you start taking control? Here are some simple strategies:

1. Cut Down the Incoming Paper

Keep a shred bin (or recycling bin) right where you sort your mail. As soon as you walk in the door, toss junk mail and unnecessary papers straight in. This simple step can immediately reduce the amount of paper that makes it into your home by half.

2. Manage Kids’ School Papers

Create a bin for each child. When backpacks come home, sort the papers immediately:

• Take care of anything that needs your attention right away.

  
  

• Save “memory” items, like artwork or special assignments, in the bin.

  
  

At the end of the school year, go through the bin with your child. Keep about 10 meaningful pieces, along with their report cards and a school photo, and store them in a labeled folder for that year.

3. Organize Adult Papers

• Go paperless whenever possible. Switching bills and statements to digital delivery instantly cuts down on clutter.

  
  

• For papers you do need to keep, create a simple filing system. After you’ve addressed a bill or document, file it directly in its “home.”

  
  

• Use an “action tray” for items you still need to handle. Pick one set day each week to go through the tray and process everything. Once it’s done, file it where it belongs.

  
  

4. Stick to a Routine

The key to paper organization is consistency. By creating simple routines—like emptying mail daily, processing your action tray weekly, and filing regularly—you’ll stop paper from piling up in the first place.

With just a few small systems in place, you’ll be amazed at how much lighter your home feels—no more paper piles taking over your counters, cabinets, or floor!