In less than 10 minutes daily - Some Thoughts On How to Cut the Paper Clutter!
Whether it be in the office, or at home, for so many to maintain control, paper clutter is a major issue. Everyday, and from all directions, we are bombarded by paper, and it can so easily get out of control, unless you know how to manage it well. Let's take a look at this a little further:
1. Pinpoint the source. Just where is this paper originating from, and just where is it winding up? Some of the more common ones are multiple written lists, newspapers, print outs of emails, and junk mail. Does your paper just land on the home office desk, kitchen table, coffee table etc., or do you have a single in tray?
2. Before it reaches your In Tray, put a stop to it! Become a better home organiser, or office organiser, or both! Get up a "no junk mail" sign, cancel those unwanted subscriptions, and open post over shredder and recycling bin, before placing in your tray. Make certain to shred all credit card offers, and any other items bearing personal identification, so as to avoid theft, but you can recycle unwanted advertising fliers.
3. Put technology to use for your benefit. Before printing out any information or emails from the internet, think! Read everything online, and then only if you will have need in the future for something, keep it in a computer folder structure, or in the Cloud 9 which from many different devices you can gain access). Put post it notes and multiple calendars out of your head, and transfer data to single calendar and task list e.g. Outlook or Google.
4. Act like a melbourne professional organiser, and tackle those paper piles. Creating new habits is a great idea, but you must still deal with those piles already there. Dedicate short bursts of time focused directly on what you want to accomplish. For 5-15 minutes, focus intently and solely on just one pile. I have formulated a helpful system known as RAFT (Read, Action, File, and Throw), which is a simple but so effective tool in deciding what to do with each piece of paper. You have to give it a try, because it truly helps greatly in moving things along, and working to the intended goal.
5. Put specific time aside to action papers. A professional organiser Melbourne who I came in contact with pointed out to me the importance of managing papers that need further action, by scheduling them. Make a determination what date you want to begin action, and in a diary, record that start date. When that date arrives, retrieve and Action, then File or Throw (RAFT). Be sure to set a weekly schedule to stay on track, and stick to your schedule consistently!
6. A good filing system, which you create, is vital. Investing in a good system will continue to pay benefits over and over moving forward. And properly maintaining this system on a consistent basis will make your life so much easier and more organized.
The bottom line is don't let paper weigh or drag you down. We hope these tips have been helpful, and will make your life as a great office organizer somewhat easier!
