PAPER CLUTTER ORGANIZATION || HOW I DECLUTTER PAPER || KEEPING UP WITH PAPER CLUTTER as a MINIMALIST
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- I tried the needs attention box from the Konmari paper clutter (declutter) method, but it just wasn't working for me. Before the paper clutter gets out of hand, I had to change my system. Now, I'm using my calendar and paying attention to paper clutter as soon as it comes into the house. Plus, my minimalist desk is free of paper clutter!
My improved system in this video is more in line with my intended minimalist lifestyle. The ongoing paper clutter is now streamlined, simple, and compact.
This is a follow up to my full paper declutter video: • PAPER DECLUTTER & ORGA...
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Blue Frixon Pen: amzn.to/3ahPE80
Black Gel Pen: amzn.to/2ttkbz1
Emily Ley Planner: amzn.to/2RoYfxe
Fireproof Waterproof Document Bag: amzn.to/2Nx29mo
When Less Becomes More: amzn.to/3aoNjbF
Grace not Perfection: amzn.to/38cRfdx
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PAPER CLUTTER ORGANIZATION SYSTEM || HOW I DECLUTTER PAPER
#minimalism #paper #minimalist #declutter
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4 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Minimalist:
• MINIMALISM FOR BEGINNE...
Minimalist Life Update:
• EXTREME DECLUTTER - 3 ...
Paper Declutter:
• PAPER DECLUTTER & ORGA...
Linen Closet Declutter to Minimalism:
• LINEN CLOSET DECLUTTER...
6 Steps of a Kitchen Declutter to Minimalism:
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I love that you didn’t beat yourself up over someone else’s plan, not working for you. You just moved on, and made one for yourself.
My dad no joke calls his planner his brain. "Your dad lost his brain" "oh I saw it on the nightstand."
Love your videos, really want to get my closet cleaned out myself after watching a few.
That's what nurses call the piece of paper that has all their patients info on it "my brain." =)
Just because someone’s system works for them doesn’t mean it works for you. I like your approach
I prefer paper as well. When I watched the other video I immediately thought that inbox wouldn't work. It would end up just being someplace I shove stuff. I love that you aren't afraid to come back and say something didn't work. I really look forward to your videos and your cheerful personality.
Good for you, you’re doing great. I am finally debt free , it’s worth the sacrifice
Filing asap is the way to go. Dealing with asap too. A good clearout is needed maybe twice a year. Over the course of last week I went through my paperwork, most of which was neatly filed. However I hadn't cleared it out in a few years and some stuff I'd been keeping for even longer defied logic. I knew that trying to do it all in one sitting would be overwhelming, so I laid every folder out on the living room floor, put the stuff to be filed into the right folders then chipped away at 2 or 3 folders each night for a week after work. By the time I was finished I was exhausted, but 75% of it was gone and I'm thrilled to have slain the beast! Never letting it get like that again.
Erica I just adore you! You show the good the bad of your journey.
I have started decluttering and found 3 curtains I never hung up over 6 years ago! Grrr.
That's what gets me the most is buying something in double and forgetting you had one already. I found 2 sets of 3 spring form pans never used! Grrr
Keep up the great videos, and I look forward to seeing your new laundry room remodel when you save up for it.
I learned to put a “destroy by date” on long term documents that can go away eventually. That way you don’t have to really think of it again. Every January I flip thru and shred things that have expired.
I like using the Mint app. I can’t pay bills off it, but it tracks my spending and notifies dates and amounts due.
Youve been a great inspiration for me and thank you for showing your journey!
The reason I love this channel is because you keep it so real. You're a work in progress, it didn't work. Reassess and try again. ❤️
I love my paper planner because it’s a visual record of my progress in my journey to becoming more organized and effective with my time and I can make notes about my health for context and it’s been helpful in my conversations with my doctor.
Thanks Erica! I use pretty much the same system and have for years. One recommendation I would make is to keep all important papers in your fire safe bag and keep it near the front door. If for any reason you have to get out of the house fast you can grab the kids, the dog and your important info. I keep mine in the front closet.
Make a list of your fixed names to pay. The due date is fixed so you won’t miss a payment. Also try magazine holders like for quickly access, one per week. In this way papers will not overwhelm your calendar. Keep it beautiful. Love it. Mine is petite so I keep it in my purse. I use Google Keep for all my lists. Works fantastic. Hope this helps you.
I am a lot older than you but you are my inspiration!
Good job! I enjoyed hearing your thought process on why the bin didn't work and why you switched to the calendar storage, and your plan of action going forward. I am impressed at your quickness to scrap plan A and change to plan B. You helped me think of how I should tweak my own systems. You are doing an awesome job!!
Ur so relatable and down to earth about admitting when others plans dont work for you. I struggle not knowing why others organizing tips dont work out for me. I'm glad to know I'm not alone. Thank you for taking the time and energy to share your journey with us all.
It’s so refreshing to see someone admit that their system didn’t work. I love that you recognized it, changed course and came up with a system that would work for the way way you think and do. Great job!
It’s so funny, about an hour before I saw your video I had sold my fireproof box through Facebook. I never liked the way the files fit and decided to sell it. The ones that were a better size were far too heavy and pricey. This bag you showed is genius! It’s the perfect solution and I’ve gone ahead and used your link to purchase one. Thank You SO much for sharing 🙏. Best wishes on your decluttering journey, I can’t wait to see what you tackle next. 💕
I cannot like this video enough! You are brilliant! The “In Box” has been the bane of my life and the central cause of my enormous pileup! I have tried and tried to use digital but you just gave me permission to accept that it’s not working for me and your putting important papers in your PAPER calendar will 💯 work for me! Thank you! You are brilliant!
You've convinced me! I'm switching to your method! I have the same problem with not paying attention to an inbox. This makes so much more sense! I'm a paper planner girl as well, nothing fancy, I'm just not good with the digital stuff (waaaay too out of sight out of mind for my brain!)
This is great . I can’t do fancy organization. Ppl think I am so organized. I put my appointments / events in my phone calendar . I keep an a5 notebook and just write stuff that needs to be done .
The fancy agenda books that I bought don’t work . We all have to find our thing .
Grab mail
Open it
Shred /recycle / trash / file / or put it to do
Buying a shredder is also essential. I work in finance so I see how many bad things happen
To maintain a system that works for you, you definitely need to tailor it to yourself. Great video on showing how you did that. UA-camr Clutterbug has some good suggestions for how to store and maintain based on whether you're a visual person who needs to see everything out (like The Minimal Mom's clipboard system), or if you need to have it filed away. And also if you prefer micro or macro organizing. I also recommend UA-camr Minimom.
Brilliant!!!!!
Wow! With your videos and the minimal mom's videos about paper clutter coming out at the Same time..... I am in super motivation mode! I have gotten through so much of my papers but has been wondering how I was going to handle my papers.... this process that you described is just brilliant!!!! Well done! 🎉👍🎉👍🎉
Thank you for sharing it!
Also you mentioned that you live in PA! I grew up in central PA and have since moved to Australia but..... PA always has a very special place in my heart. So beautiful!
I just recently started following you and I’m amazed at everything you have accomplished. Thank you for the link for the waterproof/fireproof box. I was looking for something like that.
Nothing beats the feeling of being organized and have your house put together. I’ve been a minimalist for the past five years but I’ve lived always lived with motto less is more.
We put needs attention stuff straight on the fridge (which is empty minus a temp thing and emergency numbers)
So its something youre constantly seeing multiple times a day at eye level.
For things that arent pay now type stuff but important like weddings or other events big todos are stuck on the back of the loo door you can use blutack tape a pinboard etc (here in aus most loos are in a small seperate room in the same hallway as the bathroom)
For example times tables when your kids are young - i wouldnt super reccomend this but it is handy if you dont have other options and worked realy well until people started taking their phones into the loo and just being on that instead lol and i wouldnt encourage people to spend much time on the loo anyway but its better than nothing. Some people do similar and use whiteboard markers on their bathroom mirror with todos or whatever.
We have a grocery list on the inside of the pantry cabinet its a frosted glass type thing mounted on the inside of the wood door and has a couple hooks next to it for aprons and we store our cling wrap al foil bin liners paper towel in that so you just open it up when you finish using something or you see somethings running low or you are wanting to make something the coming week and write it on there and then everyone else can see it too and we just take a pic of it before we go shopping and its out of sight most of the time but not out of mind or out of the way so yeah on the other hand we have a white fridge so we could write directly on the fridge but i hate the look of that and its constantly touched and gets stuff rubbed off but it would work for some people.
Paper overwhelmingly is the worst thing! I’m still in the battle and am so encouraged by your example. Especially your honest example of what works for you!
Truly, a touch it once approach is viable!
I love the fire proof water proof bag!!! I have one too! Its so small and easy to store and grab in emergency!
Love love love that bag!!! I’ve had my 50lb fireproof safe for 10 years but you have made a convert. This last 4 weeks, we’ve had 2 tornado watches and pulled my emergency binder bother times. That bags is perfect!!! Thank you
I love how you found a plan that works for you! We all can't be cookie cutter stamped into one way of doing things. You have no idea how much your steps to declutter has encouraged me to keep going.
I’m so glad you were able to find this solution for your paper clutter. I hate mail. I’m a soft copy person. I’ll keep all my important receipts on a life in my email. Me calendar is also on my phone and I barely check the mail. It’s a pain for me. Love your system. I just gotta find my own because I know a paper calendar won’t do it for me 🙁
Love that you followed up because I knew the inbox was not going to work. This looks like it will! Good luck
Great idea! Love how “everyday, normal” you are. Makes you totally relatable. 💜
YES!!! Every box for me becomes a dumping ground. Then I just feel bad!
Thank you for taking the time to share what didn’t work and what does! You rock, Erica! ❤️
I love how you took a system that was not working for you and found a way to make it work for you! Way to stay with it!
Bravo! Finding a solution that works for you is key. Congrats on not giving up.
Consistency is the key.
The inbox would never work for me either. I like your plan to process everything immediately. In busy times my mailbox sometimes serves as an "inbox" because if I don't have time to deal with the mail, I just don't bring it in from the mailbox!😜
1. I'm so glad you didn't stick your inbox in a drawer!
2. Good for you in realizing that your initial plan wasn't going to work in such a short amount a time.
3. Yay for finding something that will work for you!
4. I definitely need one of those fire/water proof bags for our important papers. Outs are gathered but would easily get lost if we had such a circumstance.
5. I will look into that planner. I'm also a paper person. I previously made my own blank sheets for month and weeks but our printer died and I've been running without one for too long.
6. I've done a lot of learning with FLY Lady in the last year and do put all our paper in an inbox in my top desk drawer BUT I have Tuesdays as my Paperwork Day. So I have built the habit to look through and pay bills, file, etc on a weekly basis.
Most of the Kon Mari methods have worked for me but this inbox system didn’t work for me at all- I piled stuff in there and never retrieved it! My new method is much like yours- I like paper planners too- I have to see it- if it’s in my phone I forget to look!
I am decluttering right along with you- nice to see someone going through the same process! It’s sobering to say the least! Thanks for the motivation to continue!
Smart! Dealing with paper and sorting it out as soon as it comes is the best way for me too; if I put it aside, it no longer exists. I still put reminders on my phone calendar for things that I absolutely cannot afford to miss or delay, but otherwise, yours looks like a great way to get it done neatly. I've recently decluttered paper and I've found return receipts of a pair of sneakers in 2007! The stuff that I've put aside just in case is insane. I don't have the space for your type of filing bins, so I just used an accordion file for guarantee receipts, manuals for very old machines (cannot find them online anymore), important paper etc. It all fits into a drawer! Worked like magic. Thank you for finally giving me the bosst to get it done. x
so glad i am not the only person who is a calendar person like me! if its right in front of me i do so much better!
Thank you for your videos. I watch, re-watch & go back to look for specifics. You are an amazing inspiration & because of you, I have finally FINALLY taken the first steps in my own clutter-filled journey. You have shared your 'if I can do it you can do it' attitude. You gave me permission to stop feeling overwhelmed & simply try. Thanks again. - Lori
I just came from an intense 4 1/2 hr paper decluttering session. Stopped for lunch & turned to UA-cam to relax. First video I see is yours talking more about ... paper clutter 😂
I'm a pen and paper type of planner/calendar too. I just love seeing a big overview of the year/month better on paper
Good idea, we all need a designated area to process our life; dr. apt, kids stuff, home bills to pay everything.
When we lived in a two-story house, I found my in-box system wasn't working well for me -- bc my office wasn't on the main floor! It was too far to go just to process the mail and paperwork, and I had to come up a Plan B. I wondered that about your house, when you had your in-box in your basement.
When we moved to a one-story house, it was much easier to process papers and mail.
So, it's important to take into account one's home layout, as well as personal tendencies.
One size does not fit all. I'm glad that you found something that works great for you. That wouldn't work for me, but it's reminded me to try again, lol. Love watching you and that you keep it real.
Shelbizzle has a great video on unsubscribing from junk mailing lists so you don’t end up with as much paper trash you don’t need
Another empty box! Yay! I treat mail/incoming paper in a very similar way. I do digital planning but I have a bill folder for bills and I pay them 2x per month. Anything else is filed or tossed the day it comes in.
Love the erasable pens!
I've been a minimalist for several years now, and something I noticed is that everyone has troublesome areas of clutter, even if a little. I can't manage my clothes for some reason, can't keep them organized inside my closet. Either way minimizing helps, and you're doing great with your paperwork! Hope you find a way to manage them, I'm still figuring out my closet
Loved this..I too cannot function on electronic calendars. Definitely going to check out the diary too, looks like just what I have been looking for 👏👏👏. Thanks so much
A great way to keep up with the paper clutter. I do it the same way :-) Angela
Niiiiiice! Seems like that works really well. My life isn’t exciting enough to need a planner, I kinda miss them. That’s a very pretty one!
Get involved helping others. Plan to bring a friend or neighbor a meal. Plan something that sorta scares you but also brings you joy. My best friend's favorite quote is "Work while you're still young and you can"
💝💝💝💝💝
The friction pen is my fav. too! I found out the hard way that if pages rub together (friction) your write erases! I do a lot of legal paperwork, whoops!
Carol Goddard - Heat will erase the ink too.
I like the water / fire proof bag idea. Much less conspicuous to burglars too.
Love the bills in calendar idea! I am going to try this.
You are my hero! Erasable pen? OMG you’ve convinced me. I totally get the needs attention box situation I’ve tried it and failed miserably .... will definitely try your method. Thank you so so much! So happy to have found your channel. Looking forward to learning from you.
I used to be a "day planner" girl but have fallen back into a "post it note" girl. Need to get back to having a day planner. For paying bills, I pay as they arrive. Works for me and I use auto pay as much as possible.
This sounds great!! The only suggestion i might make if it works for you, we actually go through mail quickly outside before it even comes in... tossing a bunch of the junk mail right into the trash. That way theres no chance of it sitting inside at all. Then go through more properly inside. This may not be good for you, but I’m a “store circular and coupon addict”, it’s better if they don’t come in at all. I like your idea of clipping things into your weekly planner!
Finding a way to make this process your own is how it works long term. Love how you continue to tweak your systems until you've perfected it for your life!
I have those erasable pens, and they might be one of my favorite possessions! They spark a lot of joy!!
Clever Bunny! Looooove this idea... definitely think it will work for me too as I used to do something similar in my job a few years back!
As always, thanks for sharing!
I live that bag! So much better than those heavy can't move safes.
Thank you again Erica! I’m going to check out that fireproof bag! I love how you process your ideas. Have a great day and keep on inspiring us!
Great video - you really break things down and make it all digestible. I just ordered the fireproof/waterproof bag. I've had a small portable fireproof safe that I've been using for years, but it is too small, heavy, and not very portable in an emergency, so this looks like it will be much better. Please keep videos like this coming, with all of the helpful tips.
those eraseable pens are great, but keep in mind that they are not document-proof and that they fade over time and in sunlight. srsly, they get translucent.
Again another timely video! We are having a major record breaking snow storm with hurricane force winds so I just opened my cupboard I keep papers in and emergency flashlights etc and the paper just tumbled out. Last year, I managed to get it all to a single location but that’s as far as I got. This method you showed would work for me as my paper calendar is a ritual for me. I had already been stapling imp work stuff in it but the clips are better! I too wrote on all kinds of scraps even tissues or the tissue box if that was sitting nearby. Thanks again
I came back to your paper videos to find the link to your fireproof, waterproof bag. Love the idea and plan to purchase one soon! Thanks for sharing great products!
Good ideas! My problem is my kids school paper clutter! (Silently cries as boys show their new 3D paper scenes they’ve created)
I have done this for years! I find it is the best way for me to remember what I need to take care of. I'm not the planner type but I am a calendar type. Lol😉 If you understand that..😊
A 'need attention' box works if you clean it out on a regular basis. Its advantage is that the paper is all in one place. It's not migrating all over. Often, what's in the 'need attention' box can get tossed by the time you get to it. Paper can eat a lot of time when systems get complex. If you like colors and pens, use them. They can be fun, but the advantage of a 'needs attention' box is that items in there that really have to be kept will tend to go back in that box and most of the rest will be dumped over time. It's more of a 'sifting' box, than a 'needs attention' box. I also recommend scanning any documents that sit there and sit there and sit there. Only keep originals of items you must keep the original, like...birth certificates. What I'm saying is 'filing' is just another way of 'out of sight out of mind'. If you can file something, you can also scan it. Plus OCR scanning has the advantage of letting you do a word search on the doc on your computer or from your cloud storage software.
Yes! I have a "Sunday Basket" that I ALWAYS forget to remember to organize weekly. Clipping papers in my planner or taping them on due dates on my calendar on the fridge works so much better for me. My Sunday Basket is now for "done" items that need to be filed.
Erica, for what it's worth this has to be a pretty good approach --- my dear old 89yo ma does this, too!
What a great idea. I’m having a lot of difficulty keeping up with the mail. I ordered the calendar and can’t wait to get started. P.S. I don’t know what you’re doing, but you look great. You’re very motivating thank you
Awesome Solution! 💞
I'm a paper person too, but digital calendar (via my phone) is one of the few digital things that work for me. I tend to avoid computers because somehow I loose hours of my life on them... 😩
I am slowly trying to get to find a solution for me... My steps seem to include having an actual (unshared?) workstation with SHELVING & DRAWERS next to it... Having a mobile filing system... actually labelling the folders... And still working on decluttering all the paper I foolishly saved & filed in the past. 🤪
That inbox thing is the hardest. My husband puts it on the fridge, my kids knock it on the floor... pretty soon it's covered in crumbs... I put it in a hanging file on the wall... I clean that thing out every month or so... I delay a few of those decisions and stick them in other filing inboxes I pretend to look at about once a year... 🤷
But we are in the middle of remodeling, so once it's done, I am going to buy the workstation desk that will actually function the way I need... switch my huge filing cabinet to banker boxes that I can carry around the house and work on decluttering when I have a few minutes (because I rarely seem to make it down to the basement office to work on anything... And the lighting in there sucks)... Schedule a weekly time for inboxes... try the long-term/short-term filing method... label the banker box... 😉
That's a great idea, looks like it will work. I do a similar thing, I deal with the mail when it comes in and but I just write the bills on my calendar and then put them in a little folder. That calendar you have looks nice, I'll look into that.
OOOoohh! I like this method. Definitely onto something there, with pinning things into a paper planner. I used to keep a planner like that, but recently transitioned to using more phone apps for stuff like grocery lists, appointments and events. Still, it might be a good idea for things I actually have to sit down at my desk to do (as opposed to tasks that are done outside of the home) like budgeting, online shopping, research, and writing.... You've given me so much to think about! I'll have to adapt for the kind of paper that comes in to our house. What isn't immediately recycled is usually in 3 different categories. For us, it's either tax stuff (needs to go to the file), action stuff (need to call or follow-up, then scan/file/shred) and COUPONS (need a spot so I don't forget them, but also portable so I can take them with me when I shop).
OMG, I just got those pens for christmas, and they are the best for sudoku and crosswords as well 😂
Awesome job with the paperwork, it is my archenemies.
I just bought the calender hope it will help me get more organized
Bought the planner, wish me luck!
YAY!! You figured out what works for you. Stress managed. What a relief huh? =)
After watching your videos I wonder if you would be in the spectrum of attention deficit hence the chaos and frustration you were experiencing as you became overwhelmed with stuff and lacked a framework for addressing your mounting distress. You have confronted this challenge amazingly well. Kudos to you.
Digital calanders and trackers do not work for me either! I made a super simple 2 page spread , each month, in my bullet journal. I write down all the bills I have and their due dates. I also write down our income and catagorize purchases. The only think I have electronic is my checking account register.
I am going to start clipping the bills into the finacial pages so I don't loose them. Thank you for sharing the fire/water box. That looks much better than the clunky metal boxes.
Great system! Simple and easy to maintain!
I have a "dumping ground" where I fail to file papers the first time they touch my hands. It's so much easier to file the papers little by little as they come in daily instead of dealing with a ginormous pile that has gotten out of control for months.
I’m very similar to you when it comes to organizing papers. Thank you for those tips. I’ll look into buying that calendar.
I keep all my current to be paid bills, appointment cards and other short term items in my diary too. Helps me so much on payday
I like your system! I love your videos and what you have accomplished is amazing!
If you're getting a lot of junk mail, there are ways to opt out of much of it. For example, for the prescreened credit card offers, there is information on the FTC's website about how to opt out. You could also look up "Do Not Mail". If it never hits your mailbox, you never have to sort it.
I've struggled with the perfect system of accountability also with my papers and the idea of putting things in my calendar is awesome! I look at mine weekly at least. Usually bills of course. And in reconsideration of other papers I'm going to shred bank statements, I can easily reprint anything needed in that category. I too just had a box that I dumped and over and over I pretend it doesn't exist. Love your videos!
Love the new paper organisations, including the planner, never used one only a note pad for lists, but I'm going to try it out. Have a great weekend and thanks for the videos
You are so real. I appreciate you.Your new system sounds great!
This is what I do, but I have the happy planner and I add pocket dividers.
I LOVE Frixon pens so much! I love the idea of pinning those important papers in a planner, great idea!
I have always dealt with papers as soon as I get them.
I pay bills as soon as I receive them. I get most of mine via email too, which helps.
I don’t file anything, I scan it on an app on my phone and upload it to my google drive
Love this! It's like we're twin thinkers,even down to the planner. I'm super motivated to pare everything down to what needs to be taken care of very shortly and needs to go in my planner. Just wondering why this never seemed so simple to me before!
I appreciate that video, it was s good idea for me because I stay overwhelmed with paper.
Thats a great idea for people that use calendars!!
But what do you do with th epaper once you've delt with it? If you mentioned that, sorry that I missed it.
Great idea. I just bought a planner and keeping up with it all year is one of my goals.
We recently bought a shredder ( I realized not being able to dispose of paper properly was a huge hang up for me and one of the big reasons I was holding on to paper) so now I can just shred it right away. yay!
Going to try this idea!
Wow that is a great plan for me, thank you very much for sharing. Greetings from Mexico City 🌹
So glad you posted this. I also have an inbox that's not working for me cuz I let it pile up til I have to address it. So I'm gonna do the paper clipping bills & stuff that I need to take care of that month in my calendar cuz I do look at that every day. Thank you. 😃