Get rid of paper clutter and keep it from piling up in your home with these simple solutions.
Some days it feels like we are going to be buried beneath a mountain of paper clutter. You may think you have it under control, but then the mail arrives, the kids come home with backpacks bursting, you clean out your purse and suddenly you're swimming in it again.
The good news is in today's digital world we don't need to be overwhelmed by paper. While you probably won’t be able to go completely paperless, there are a few quick things you can do to get rid of the paper clutter in your home. Doing just one or all of these will help you deal with your paper and keep it from piling up again.
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6 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Paper Clutter
1. Always deal with it immediately
This is one of the things that I do every day to keep my house organized. It might be tempting to toss all the papers you come across in your house in one spot. You might even think “I will sort them later.” But as the pile grows, it becomes harder and harder to find what you need and to deal with the mess.When papers come in, decide immediately what to do with them. File important documents appropriately. Use an app like Keepy or Artkive to store kids' artwork and mementos. Scan receipts or other papers that you might need. Recycle the junk and stop the papers from piling up.
2. Set up a system for incoming mail
One of the main ways paper clutter enters our home is through the mailbox. Dealing with your incoming mail as it arrives is key to stopping the paper pileup. We use this DIY wall organizer for our incoming mail - it has pockets so we can sort bills that need to be paid or things that we need to respond to. Then we keep a recycling bin right at the door so everything else goes straight inside. This system is a game changer for keeping paper clutter under control.3. Automate your bills
The best way to reduce your paper mail is to sign up for online bill paying. If you're still getting paper bills, be sure to check and see if this is an option. Some companies will even give you a break on fees if you pay online or set up automatic payments. Click here for more ways to organize your finances.4. Use an organizing app
I love my paper planner. I don't think that I'll ever be able to give it up, as the act of actually writing things down helps me to feel organized and remember what I need to do. But since it is all contained in one spot, it doesn't really add to the paper clutter in our house. What does create clutter is things like notes and lists, so for those I use the Cozi family organizing app.Cozi helps you get rid of paper clutter by putting your to do list, grocery lists, calendar, and so much more right into your favorite devices. And you can share with your family members, so no more little notes left on the counter or forgetting your grocery list when you head to the store. Read more about why I love Cozi, or get your free account here.
5. Store your files digitally
When possible, reduce your paper clutter by opting for digital storage. You can store your documents safely on your computer or use a cloud based service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Just be sure that you organize and safely store your passwords so you remember how to access your information.You can also get unlimited photo storage through Amazon if you're an Amazon Prime member. Check it out here.
6. Toss the magazines
I love reading magazines but I always seem to end up with a mountain of unread issues or ones that I don't want to throw out so that I can refer back to recipes or articles. It was causing a lot of living room clutter until I discovered Texture. Texture is an awesome app that gives you unlimited access to over 200 magazines, all on your phone or tablet. It's the perfect way to enjoy the magazines you love without causing them to pile up (and you can access them anywhere, anytime). You can try Texture for free for 14 days here.Putting these easy solutions into place in your house will not only clear out the paper clutter you already have, but will keep it from piling up in the future. Staying on top of clutter is the easiest way to keep your house organized so you can find what you need when you need it.
Want to declutter your whole house without getting overwhelmed? Start with my ultimate decluttering checklist then grab my home organization calendar for easy decluttering projects every month.