Friday, March 18, 2011

Paper Clutter

Simple Mom's Project Simplify is covering paper clutter this week. As paper enters my own, it is dealt with. That means, tossed, shredded, paid, read, posted or displayed. So, the paper task is not as daunting for me. So, I am reposting the yearly-purge I do every year:

Don't forget, now is a perfect time to do your year-end filing. I did mine this weekend and I am all ready to start chomping away at this year's bills:-)


Here is what I do:

  • I empty all my files into one big folder and label it with the year that just past.
  • This folder gets placed in an archive box with the last 6 years of documents.
  • Then, I remove the oldest file in that box and shred it.

Now, I have all the documents that I need to retain for the IRS-required amount of time and a filing system that works:-)

This was not so Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom today but more Wordful Wednesday on parenting By dummies:-)

at

10 comments:

  1. MichelleMarch 18, 2011 at 9:49 AM

    Ugh, I need to work on this one. I have it all filed beautifully, but there's way too much that needs to be shredded. Goal for once the taxes are complete!

    ReplyDelete
  2. mommytoalotMarch 18, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    I'm terrible with paper. It's all over the house. Hubby is the one who shreds and files. I pay and pile..lol

    ReplyDelete
  3. CheriMarch 18, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    My system isn't as obvious as yours, but I do manage to keep purging old paid bills, tax info, etc. There is always a huge once-a-year shredding pile!

    ReplyDelete
  4. MaryMarch 18, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    I hate paper clutter! Ugh!

    I did my filing cabinet a month or so ago ... oh, it feels so much better. This week I worked on paper clutter some too ... but I think I am going to attack it big time this week!

    Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  5. DebbieMarch 18, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    I'm not sure I've ever used the words "chomping away" with anything even remotely related to paperwork! You are an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  6. More Than WordsMarch 18, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Love that system!

    I have a good question for ya! What do you do with your kids schoolwork?? I feel bad throwing it away, but what else can I do?

    ReplyDelete
  7. SusieMarch 18, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    As my kids work comes in, I file them in a folder (if it fits). Every month they go either on the wall or in a box. Every year, I keep the best stuff in a box marked graduation. These items are displayed then. So, they can see how far they have come and how important they and their education is to me. I did this with my oldest and she loved it:-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. MamarazziMarch 19, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    i totally need to do this.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Mommyto3andahuskyMarch 20, 2011 at 2:51 AM

    I love your blog! Great tips! I became your newest follower! :) Erin

    www.purplebookbloggingmommy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. heidiMarch 20, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    I just want someone else to come take care of all the clutter. LOL

    ReplyDelete