Recently I have had a lot of clients ask for help organize all their papers that are coming home from school. There is also the bills and mail… you know, the regular paper clutter that piles up on the kitchen counters. It gets really old after a while to continuously move those papers around.

So what can you do to tackle that paper clutter once and for all? I have some effective paper clutter solutions that will help get your counters clean and papers sorted!

Effective Paper Clutter Solutions

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Create A Designated Area

The biggest organizing system fail I consistently see when it comes to paper clutter is lack of a “drop zone”. That means there is one designated area in your home for all your papers to go. Rather than just dumping the papers on the kitchen counter, find a location that can collect all the papers. Whether that be the office, mud room, or another area, just be consistent with where you drop the papers!

Weed Out The Junk

The easiest way to weed out the junk is to keep a recycling can and shredder next to your “drop zone”. That way you can get rid of the trash before it even hits the table/desk/etc.

Make sure you get all your bank and credit documents emailed to you. Then create folders in your email for all the documents you receive. This totally helps weed out the junk in your inbox!

Functional Storage

You have created a drop zone, complete with recycling can and shredder. You make sure to weed out the junk before it even touches a surface. But what do you do with the rest of the papers??

I have a few favorite paper clutter solutions that are effective and efficient!

First, use magazine holders to file items. Store them on a shelf and drop the papers into the designated holder.

Another option is to use an open filing system. The reason I suggest an open filing system is because it is easy to keep up with! I always try to find the least amount of steps to putting something away.

Finally, you can use wall space to create a hanging filing system.

Kids Stuff

When it comes to storing kids artwork, papers, and other goodies that come home from school, I have a few options that have been effective for families!

One way is to create bins for each grade. Line the bins up and just drop papers into the files as the year goes. Then, at the end of the year, go through that file and keep whatever is important and toss the rest.

Another option is to take pictures of all the artwork as it comes in. Create a folder in your photo gallery and use those pictures to create a book of artwork. Toss the extra artwork after you get the picture! Chatbooks are my favorite! You can use the code SHARECB to get 20% off your first order! 

Finally, for school papers, calendars, and other school goodies, I suggest creating a command center. Use magnetic boards and files to store all the school stuff!

When it comes to effective paper clutter solutions, make sure you create a “drop zone”. Near the “drop zone” make sure to keep a recycling can and shredder. Don’t let the trash hit the table, just throw it away. Create a filing system that minimizes the steps it takes to file. And keep a spot for kids’ school stuff that is easily accessible.

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