The Paper Clutter Cure
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The Paper Clutter Cure – A Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing your Paper

BySherry Wynn
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Life gets messy—especially when paper piles up. Bills, statements, insurance policies, medical records, and tax documents… all add up FAST. And if you’re like most people, your “system” for dealing with paper probably involves shoving it in a drawer, stacking it on the counter, or telling yourself, “I’ll get to it later.”

Sound familiar?

The problem is, later never comes. The longer you put off organizing your papers, the bigger the mess—and the more overwhelming it feels to even start. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all at once. Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps.

Step 1: Gather the Paper Piles

Walk around your home and collect ALL your loose papers—from countertops, drawers, your purse, your car, and that “junk pile” on your desk. Don’t overthink it. Just gather everything in one spot.

Step 2: Sort Into 3 Simple Categories

Now, grab three containers (or just make piles) and sort your papers into:

🗑 Trash/Shred – Junk mail, expired coupons, old receipts you don’t need.

📂 To File – Important documents you need to keep long-term.

📌 To Take Action On – Bills to pay, forms to fill out, anything that requires attention.

Step 3: Handle the “Action” Pile

This is where the clutter creeps back in if you’re not careful. Take a few minutes to immediately deal with what you can—pay that bill, schedule that appointment, sign that form. If something needs more time, set a deadline and add a reminder to your calendar.

Step 4: Set Up a Simple System

The key to keeping paper organized long-term? A system that works for YOU.

Next week, I’m diving into my 5 Foundational Blocks for Paper Management—the simple, foolproof method that helps you stay organized for good. You don’t want to miss it!

Quick Takeaway:

📌 Paper clutter builds up when we don’t have a system. Start small—gather, sort, and take action. A little progress today means a LOT less stress tomorrow!

What’s your biggest paper-organizing challenge? Drop a comment below—I’d love to help!