{"id":1276,"date":"2016-10-13T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2016-10-13T12:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/capturedclutter.com\/?p=1276"},"modified":"2017-05-15T14:34:31","modified_gmt":"2017-05-15T18:34:31","slug":"managing-incoming-mail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/capturedclutter.com\/managing-incoming-mail\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Incoming Mail: Organization Tips for Your Home Filing System"},"content":{"rendered":"

Projects, Appointments, and Bills \u2013 Oh, My!<\/h3>\n

Filing paper blues often start with incoming mail. A good rule of thumb is to trash any unwanted mail as soon as you bring it in the door. That lessens the paper filing pile by at least 50% right from the start.<\/p>\n

When you sort your mail, the first step is to make sure you already have a file for bills, invitations, appointments, projects, upcoming events, classes, and coupons.<\/p>\n

When your mail has a home\/zone to land in immediately, you are ahead of the curve ball when it comes to filing. Let\u2019s examine a few more details that will help you have a home run and prevent mental clutter breakdown.<\/p>\n

Be mindful that those who like to stay green can mirror the suggestions listed below on their computer.<\/em><\/p>\n

Mail Organization \u2013 Filing Game Rules<\/h2>\n
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  1. Designate A Home Plate. <\/strong>Depending on your style or space availability, you will want a combination of a desktop file, magazine holder, filing cabinet, or rolling cart file. The product you choose will house your documents, so make sure it is convenient, attractive, and functional.<\/li>\n
  2. K<\/u>eep I<\/u>t S<\/u>trategically S<\/u>imple.<\/strong> Kiss your stress away with a filing system that is planned out ahead of time using broad categories. General categories allow you to set up sub files that remain in a zone that makes sense. For instance, Insurance<\/em> can be a broad folder category where you insert files for any insurance documents you maintain (Car, Medical, Dental, Home Owners, etc.) within the hanging folder.<\/li>\n
  3. Game Plan. <\/strong>Set an appointment with yourself to plan out your filing categories. From there, start labeling your hanging folders, followed by the files that will be included in that zone. Once this system is placed, you will want to set a regular time to sort through your papers, so they do not continue to multiply.<\/li>\n
  4. Three Strikes, You\u2019re Out. <\/strong>As you plow through your accumulated paper piles, <\/strong>think about the role that document plays in your game plan. Is it a bill that needs to be paid, an important invitation you need to remember, or a class that peaks your interest? If you touch a piece of paper more than once and think, \u201cI will probably never sign up for\/apply for\/use this coupon\/get this product,\u201d give yourself permission to toss it out. The essential pieces of paper need a home \u2013 your filing system. Try to touch the paper only once and make a decision: toss or keep.<\/li>\n
  5. Terms of Contract. <\/strong>The universal question is, \u201cWhat is the shelf life for my papers?\u201d Well, that depends on your personal situation as it relates to tax records, receipts, and bank statements. The more complicated your holdings and business situation, the longer you will need to hold on to supporting documents:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n