| There are two types of paper clutter: the incoming | | | | The Act container is for items that require action like |
| and the infamous piles. The only way to end the piling | | | | bills to pay or rsvps. |
| habit is to deal with the incoming papers immediately. | | | | Place all statements and documents that require no |
| If you effectively deal with papers as they enter | | | | action but need to be saved for tax purposes in the |
| your home, you'll eliminate the source of the paper | | | | File container. |
| piling compulsion. Don't let your piles overwhelm you | | | | And finally, place coupons and other references in the |
| and keep you from taking this simple first step. The | | | | Use container. Remember, only if you are actually |
| best way to purge your piling is to create an Action | | | | going to use them. Don't listen to that little voice that |
| Center. | | | | taunts you with the "but maybe I'll need it someday" |
| All you need is wall or a desk file with the minimum | | | | whispers. |
| of three containers. If you are excited to get | | | | That's it. You have the beginning of an Action Center. |
| started, don't wait to buy a file, any old basket or | | | | Add to your center as you and your family become |
| decorative box will do. | | | | more comfortable with the new system. You may |
| Label the containers. Act. Use. File. Keep it simple to | | | | wish to add a container for each child. The earlier you |
| start. Once you get into the habit of acting instead | | | | can instill good organizational skills into your child, the |
| of piling you can add more. | | | | easier it will be for the whole family. |
| The next step is important. | | | | Make your center more efficient by adding items you |
| Place your file near your current paper pile up. There | | | | regularly use.o A shreddero A message boardo Penso |
| is obviously a reason you prefer to pile where you | | | | Envelopeso Stampso Tapeo Stapler |
| do. My guess is it is convenient. Let's keep this | | | | Make your center more comfortable by using filing |
| convenient for you. | | | | containers that work with your style. Many |
| Now, here's the habit breaker. | | | | containers available at your local office supply store |
| Make a commitment to review your mail and other | | | | may not fit your personal decor. Be creative, if |
| papers the minute they enter your home. Don't allow | | | | beautiful old bowls work for you, use them. Shop at |
| anymore litter to enter your life. | | | | home first. You could also consider...o A small cabineto |
| Shred and toss ALL unsolicited advertisements | | | | A 3-drawer chesto Decorated shoe boxeso A wall |
| immediately. This type of information is the culprit for | | | | magazine racko Wicker Basketso Old cup or bowl |
| the majority of your clutter. You are not going to | | | | golf trophieso Antique wooden boxeso Old large |
| miss out on the deal of a lifetime. Unless you will use | | | | handbags mounted on the wall |
| it, toss it. | | | | The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. |
| Open all financial statements and bills. Toss ALL the | | | | Create an area you take pleasure in looking at. |
| advertisements inside, for the same reason as stated | | | | Organizing should be enjoyable and simple if it is going |
| above. Keep only the statement and the return | | | | to be successful. |
| envelope. Unless you pay on-line, then it is safe to | | | | Now, what happens when the containers are full? |
| toss the envelope too. | | | | Well that is the subject of another article. It is all |
| If you receive a magazine or catalog, it's time to toss | | | | about "a place for everything, and everything in its |
| the old issue. This could be tough for some of you. | | | | place." The first step is to get that Action Center |
| So, maybe just start by tossing the catalogs. You | | | | created. Getting and staying organized is all about |
| can probably find what you want online. We can deal | | | | making small changes and enjoying the process. |
| with magazine pileups later. | | | | © 2006 Catherine Anderson, Just Organize Your |
| Now, do your Action filing. | | | | Stuff, All rights reserved. |