Tackle Your Mail Before It Tackles You

What is the biggest clutter culprit in your home or office?  MAIL!  It ends up in piles, in sorters, on the kitchen counter, on the dining room table, on your coffee table, in your in-tray, all over your desk.  How do I keep the mail whirlwind under control? 

Let me tell you.

One of the most important things in keeping a handle on your mail is to have a mail station – it can be as simple as a shredder and a recycle box in a corner somewhere or as complicated as you want to get with all the latest organizing furniture.  It’s important to note that the amount of money spent does not correlate to the level of organization.  It doesn’t take much to get there and chances are you already have everything you need. 

The most important things to have in your mail station are:

• Recycling Box
• Shredder – I recommend not buying the cheapest one – the next step up wont clog as quickly
• Filing System – a simple cabinet – even plastic will work
• Bill Sorter – a binder, a calendar, a pocket file . . . more about this later
• Some other helpful things - letter opener, garbage, and a pen

Some Do’s and Don’ts:

Do – Open all of your mail immediately after you pick it up.

Do Not – Set it down anywhere before opening it.  If you know you wont be able to open it before you put away the groceries, feed the dog and help your child with their homework – don’t pick up your mail.  Wait until you know you’ll have a moment to deal with it.

Do – Throw away and shred everything that you can.  Be honest with yourself – are you really that interested in that flyer?  Will you ever use that coupon?  Shred everything that has any of your information on it, recycle or throw away the rest.  *If you have nothing but bills and checks left – you’ve done great!

Ok, you’ve opened and sorted everything without setting anything down . . . now what? 

Do – Have a bill paying system (we’ll talk about in more detail in a later article). 

Do – Put all bills, checks and other dated items somewhere to be dealt with at the appropriate time. 

Do – File the rest right away.  It’s so much easier to file three pieces of paper than it is to file an ever-growing ’to file’ pile.

If you have items that you need to read that cannot be filed, have a designated spot (preferably with your files) that will be conducive to getting that accomplished without the risk of pile-up.  *Feel free to ask questions about your specific situation.

You’ve done it!  Great job!  Don’t you feel proud, powerful and organized?  I knew you had it in you.

 

by Jessica Ziebart

The Mobile Assistant

www.themobileassistants.com