Every Paper in its Place

Photo Source: thecontainerstore.com

Everyone knows that one small pile of papers on your kitchen counter will soon become a great BIG pile. And if left alone for too long, that pile will become two piles. And then three, and four and five... until the paper army threatens to completely unhinge you!

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Consider creating a new household rule: EVERY PAPER IN ITS PLACE.

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To make sure you're prepared to follow-up with that rule with yourself and others, create a home for each of the categories of papers that you have in your home. Obviously, a good filing system will make life much easier, but what about the incoming mail, unpaid bills, kids' school papers, etc. that are constantly coming into and out of the home?

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One possible solution is to hang wall pockets near the most frequently used entrance to your home. Label each pocket with the categories that will suit your needs. (Consider a pocket for each of these common categories: To Do, To File, Unpaid Bills, Coupons & Gift Cards, Current Magazines & Catalogues.) For young children, consider using wall pockets as In/Out boxes. When they have papers you need to see or sign, they place them in their IN box. When you have signed those papers, move them to the OUT box, and make sure your children clear out their OUT box each morning before heading to school.