Clutter Control Tips

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How To Control Your Clutter

Don't Let Clutter Control You!

If it's a battle of wits, for sure, you'll come out on top! The downside is that clutter seems to accumulate without anyone noticing until the place looks like a real mess. Use these tips below to help you with clutter control!

Even though I no longer have small children at home, I'm absolutely amazed at the amount of clutter that grows in my living room.

In my case, the culprit (besides me) is paper. All kinds of paper: newspapers, ads, flyers, magazines, junk mail, good mail, and stacks of printed computer paper. I'm always proofing something and, when finding something that needs changed, I leave the proofed copy on a chair or table without disposing of it. Why do I do that when I know I won't be using the copy that has the error?

Finally, I realize that the clutter is controlling me. I'm almost afraid to get rid of it because I "might need it" some day, or it requires an action that I'll get around to later.

How To Get Your Clutter Under Control

We've spent a lot of time on this web site talking about general household clutter which is created by kids, pets, adults, and just plain non-action or being irresponsible. Paper clutter falls into a different category and is a common problem in offices whether at home or a off-premises place of business.

The rule of thumb in any organizing project and to ultimately controlling clutter is this: Action, Non-Action, and Junk.

Experts say to examine each piece of paper at the time you first view it and make the determination. If it's junk, throw it away. If it requires an action (reply, unpaid bill, etc.), put it in a "to-do" file on your desk. If it's valuable (for taxes, medical records, etc.,) and needs to be retained but requires no specific action, file it in the appropriate file.

Get Rid Of Your Paper Clutter

I though computers were supposed to create a paperless society. Right. I've never seen so much printed on paper generated before in my life! Stacks of papers laying around just waiting to be organized. My office looks like I print the New York Times there. Maybe not. The Times probably is much more orderly and controlled than my home office.

I often find myself printing off documents that are emailed to me that may consist of 6 to 10 pages or more. The worst of it is that I might not be really interested in the subject matter but still, I've printed it off, read enough to know I'm not interested, then left it laying instead of throwing it away.

You Can Get Organized

Yes, you can be organized and keep your wits about you. If you receive your mail at the post office, go through it before you walk out the door. Unless you are seriously interested in that ad for computer hardware or a digital camera, throw the flyer away in the trash can that is thoughtfully provided by the USPS. Same with circulars, slick ads, pamphlets and catalogs - junk mail.

The only pieces of mail you should be taking home or to the office are important correspondence, bills, and other information that is vital to your interests.

When you arrive at home or at the office, open your mail and make the determination about which action is appropriate. If it's a bill to pay, put it in your "to-do" file which should be prominent on your desk. Correspondence that requires a reply should also be placed in the "to-do" file or, if it concerns a client, retrieve the client's file and paperclip the letter or document to the top of the file; then place the folder in an upright file holder on top of your desk.

Other vital information needs to be placed in the appropriate file where you can find it and review it when the need arises.

At the end of the day, your desk should be clean with the files you are working in arranged neatly on the top.

Be sure that any documents, correspondence or other important papers that you decide to throw away are shredded!

If you don't keep your clutter controlled, it will control you! Organization is the solution!