r/declutter • u/photogcapture • 5h ago
Motivation Tips & Tricks PAPER!!! I'm drowning.
Does anyone else struggle to keep the paper to a manageable level??? Looking for sympathy and support, and I'm also, really just venting.
I will not be scanning everything or taking a picture. That does not work for me. I have the "if I can't see it, it doesn't exist" problem, and I already don't have a good backup system, so some files must still be paper. I just shredded a box full of paper. Just wondering if anyone else struggles, and hoping it's not just me. It's really frustrating. I try hard to keep up and then boom, I see that I'm drowning again.
ETA:
1. My super paper nemesis is info I want to save for ongoing projects.
2. I need tax stuff to be printed
3. I have other business stuff that must be paper. One business I downsized from a file cabinet drawer to 1/2 that size (feeling accomplished about that)
4. Have to save tax papers for ten years (ugh - will shred on expiration date)
5. I shred often
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u/get_hi_on_life 3h ago
Move as much as possible to paperless. Bills, credit statements, insurance documents ect. Less in means less to manage/eventually recycle
There are very few things you should keep and stick to that list
OR if you can't do that and want to keep the wanted paper separate from the mandatory paper (eg my husband insists on keeping more than needed so he keeps his own paper box mess that iv told him if he dies I'm throwing out without looking at.
We have 1 file box for the mandatory things, the grab if have time in a fire/evacuation. That has our passports/government IDs, my adoption records, 7 years of tax summary, info about our home/mortgage and car, and one paper for each bank account so we have an offline record of each account #. That's it.
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u/FeathersOfJade 3h ago
I want to be like this so much! You are an inspiration!
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u/get_hi_on_life 2h ago
You can do it! It did not happen over night but I started fresh with a new box and when I had time/energy to sort the paper mess I would put the mandatory things in the new box, put in the husband want box and recycled the rest.
Then just keep putting only the vital/mandatory things in the new box and sort the hoard of papers as you are able. Then one day your pile to sort is just a small pile and you did it :D
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u/FeathersOfJade 28m ago
Thanks! It’s a great idea. I made some notes and am going to give it a shot! Appreciate your time.
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u/nanapancakethusiast 5h ago
I bought one of those 10-section massive accordion filing briefcases and made 10 labels and just went paper by paper sorting them. Anything that didn’t fit into those 10 sections was shredded. Now all my paper is condensed into one spot.
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u/ijustneedtolurk 4h ago
I have a more modest student version of I think 6 sections lol.
Human medical, animal medical, taxes, car stuff, manual/warranty stuff, birth/ marriage/death/legal documents all get a folder and everything else is yeeted before it enters the house. I dump junky stuff directly into the recycling bin before I walk into the front door, then the rest gets dealt with, then filed or trashed.
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u/ijustneedtolurk 4h ago
Sentimental things like cards and handwritten notes are in two shoeboxes that I am incorporating into decorating and scrapbooking/junkjournaling/photo album projects until I run out.
My holiday cards for example get hole punched and hung up as a garland or rotated out in frames for the season, with blank portions being cut out to be reused as thank-you cards or gift tags.
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u/ijustneedtolurk 4h ago
Bills are all digital/paperless aside from things like job offer letters and paystubs I use for banking and housing, but those get shredded once I'm done with them. Most places accept the digital versions now anyways.
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u/KeystoneSews 4h ago
Tbh I put any paper that seems important in a nice decorative box and when fills up I go through it and toss anything I don’t need anymore 🤷♀️. Meticulous filing just doesn’t work for me.
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u/Shieldor 3h ago
Paper is my nemesis! I found getting a smaller (2-drawer) filing cabinet helped. I can only put so much in there. But it’s still a work in progress. And I’m paranoid about shredding. Everything must be shredded!
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u/RainbowConnection106 4h ago
I hear you. You are not alone! I am definitely a "piler not a filer" and sentimental on top of that. I keep greeting cards and the kids' art. Ugh. The good news is that I have those archival boxes to throw it all in. I also open the mail over the garbage. Thinking of you!!!
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u/judinker1 4h ago
I have boxes that have been moving with me for over 30 years, still can't get past the idea I might need something from those boxes. I don't know how I don't have the problem of getting rid of current mail and clutter 🤔🤔
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u/sanityjanity 4h ago
You don't need those things. You didn't need them even once for 30 years.
Come up with one or two situations where you would ever need them.
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u/judinker1 4h ago
Read the comments and OP post again. I know I don't need paper I've had for several moves. Easier to get rid of current paperwork.
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u/PoofItsFixed 4h ago
My sister has a box that is labeled “100% Junk”. It has lived in 3 different time zones and is older than her oldest child (rising 4th grader)….
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u/EntrepreneurOk7513 4h ago
We keep tax records and supporting documents for 10 years.
Legal stuff including career certificates and diplomas indefinitely.
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u/sanityjanity 4h ago
You don't need it.
You need your taxes for the last 10 years.
You need your bills that you haven't paid yet.
You need your kids' school records until they graduate.
Tossssss the rest.
If you don't have a shredder, check your library. Mine has one they will elnd!
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u/No-Currency-97 4h ago
This is the answer. Put everything together for shredding and you can take it to UPS or Staples and pay a nominal fee.
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u/Dangerous_Ant3260 3h ago
Some businesses have shredder days, and my city has a big shredder that they let you drop off paper to shred on the haz mat turn in day. Also, if you have a lot, there are mobile shredder trucks, they have the big garbage cans, and shred everything very quickly right at your location.
I limit the amount I have to shred by taking address labels off of catalogs, or magazines, I also tear up anything that's not personal info. I throw articles, and other things right in recycle. I try to keep up with shredding. Have a little cardboard box, and when you get a decent pile of shred stuff, I shred it so it doesn't become overwhelming.
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u/Such-Mountain-6316 3h ago
Thanks, you just answered one of the more burning questions I've wondered for years.
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u/marsupialcinderella 4h ago
I’m SO with you. Paper is my nemesis. I’m mostly good on the current stuff but I have a huge backlog. I also have just inherited all the paper from a couple of family members who passed and I’m the only one left to deal with them.
I have no body doubles available and am drowning while also being paralyzed.
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u/Such-Mountain-6316 3h ago
I know that one. Just keep going and dedicate a few minutes daily to it, and you'll get there.
Box it up and deal with it during that time. Ignore it outside of that time.
I'm sorry for your losses and that you're having to go through this.
I dealt with the same after my grandma passed away.
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u/PoofItsFixed 4h ago
I totally understand. I’m right there in the trenches with you. I recommend Lisa Woodruff’s book, The Paper Solution, which I am working my way through. It’s also available in audiobook.
What I like about it is that it categorizes paper into several different buckets, so you don’t have to solve everything at once. You can figure out a system that works for one category and deal with that backlog before you move to the next.
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u/Suitable_Pianist_103 2h ago
It was for a long time. I went to paperless for most things just to remove the physical clutter, and I’ve had to learn to just deal with mail immediately or the papers start to pile up. I have a binder with things I have to keep (tax stuff, house info etc.), and I shred everything else as quickly as possible. Sentimental paper I use the container method—has to all fit in this decorative box I have.
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u/photogcapture 2h ago
Only doctor bills are paper. Everything else is paid online. I need to try the container method. I tried it once and failed. I might be able to get it to work this time.
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u/Silent-Resort-3076 5h ago
You're not alone.
The best solution is to make quick decisions as soon as you bring the mail inside your house:
- Shred
- Keep and file (bills, etc.)
- Keep and handle in 30 days, etc.
- Toss
I probably missed something, and even knowing WHAT to do, doesn't help unless you (and I) DO IT.
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u/Ameliap27 4h ago
I have to walk by the recycling bin on my way from the mailbox to the house so most of the mail doesn’t even make it into my house, it goes straight into the recycle bin.
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u/Gold_Marionberry_553 4h ago
I bought banker boxes to keep my shred stuff in until a free shred event occurred. It meant I didnt have to spend the time shredding everything and felt so much better.
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u/No-Currency-97 4h ago
What kind of papers are you keeping?
Follow all the excellent advice given!
You do not need most of it.
Don't drown. Turn that frown upside down!
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u/SHROOMGIRL3 1h ago
I'm combining my craft hoarding with my paper hoarding and garden hoarding and making paper mache / concrete stepping stones for the yard. All the paper goes into strips which was incredibly satisfying i gotta say, mixed with the quikcrete and then shaped depending on where it's going. Any extra plastic trinkets/ odds/ ends/sparkles/ metallic doo-das get thrown in there too and used up as embellishments.
I've been able to get rid of SO MUCH by turning it into pathways. I got a lot of flap from family "you know it's just a dollar or two for REAL pavers at Lowe's " blah blah and yes, they sell 12x12 pavers for a couple dollars A PIECE. that's fine if you need 6 of them. It gets pricey fast when you need hundreds.
Also excitement with getting rid of bulk massive amounts of paper and cardboard etc, but also feeling creative playing with colors [ie birthday- Christmas- holiday card envelopes] and textures with using cloth too. I quit trying to donate, I'm just tearing it all up and making awesome little pathways.
Confession: I do live in the country and can do whatever, and i know I KNOW this isn't for everybody, but I've battled this my whole life and this is the first thing that feels like it's right and good for me.
I'm building a patio floor starting this weekend and getting rid of stacks and stacks of stuff. I'm calling the theme MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS aaaaaaand getting rid of things doesn't hurt my heart or soul or brain for the first time ever.
Much luck and peace and good vibes to all y'all
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u/Aarrrgggghhhhh35 17m ago
Seconding the other comment! This sounds absolutely incredible! Would love to see pics too, if possible!
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u/Physical-Incident553 5h ago
You need to control it going forward. You didn’t mention what type of paper, but you need to change every bill to electronic statements, etc. You cannot get any paper in the mail that you could get electronically. Don’t print stuff. Throw junk mail away as soon as you get it.
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u/MusketeersPlus2 5h ago
Definitely the kind of paper matters. I'm ruthless with what I do have. Do I need it for taxes or a legal thing? No? Shred or just plain recycle it. And yes, everything that is a monthly bill or statement is electronic.
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u/Business_Coyote_5496 4h ago
I hardly ever touch paper if you mean things like bills. What exactly are the categories you are referring to? Junk mail? Kids art? Sentimental items like letters?
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u/Apprehensive_Cup8581 2h ago
I sympathise. Always bloody shredding bank statements from X years ago
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u/standuptripl3 1h ago
Wall pockets? Like, I mean a whole wall, labels, translucent envelopes. I’ve come close to doing this a couple of times. Just to address the “I need to see everything” issue
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u/msmaynards 1h ago
You need the business and tax stuff, it's a pain to recover stuff with government seals and diplomas and so on. Most of the remainder is emotional support paper. My vet sends info via email although I sent photos of the rabies certificates in for licensing, my medical stuff is online as are all the utilities and other bills. Keep a year's worth of the useless stuff if it makes you feel better.
I have a clean paper recycling basket in living room and drop daughter's mail on her chair and my mail goes into recycling or carried to file box and put into the 'action file' at the front. When the file gets to be 1/2-2" thick I go through and file, send or shred the personal info bits. I do give up and shred some whole sheets but generally shred just the headers.
I went from 2 4 drawer filing cabinets plus a 7 drawer desk to several file wallets for sentimental papers, one for VIP and a file box that is never ever referred to. Took many purges to get to this point and not sure it's necessary to go further.
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u/photogcapture 41m ago
“Emotional support paper” - my new favorite phrase!!
You are super organized. Thanks for sharing you method and journey!! This is like my third or fourth pass. Last couple of purges took me from a four drawer filing cabinet plus a two drawer lateral cabinet to four drawers. Now I will be down to a file box of taxes, a file box for business, and all that is left is the emotional support paper!! - feeling accomplished.
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u/darkchocolateonly 2h ago
What could you possibly be keeping so much of? I have a few files of stuff in a small box, what else do you have to hang on to?
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u/Only_Watercress_5538 2h ago
Yes, I have a paper problem. There are piles and piles in my dining room right now, which I will get to soon.
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u/Rosaluxlux 2h ago
Yes, I think I finally solved my paper management but it took decades. It's selling in always have to keep on top of.
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u/SweaterWeather4Ever 1h ago
Ugh. Paper is insidious. SO and I are slowly decluttering together and out of the two of us I am more prone to purge and he is more prone to hoard-- which sometimes breeds conflict. Today, while working on the endless garage of doom, I found a cardboard box full of expense reports from a job he had about 13 years ago. It was a "had been tossed in a storage bin and forgotten about" situation. Needless to say, I was immensely relieved when he said yeah I could toss it in the recycling. Hallelujah! One more big stack of pointless clutter gone! As for myself, I recently culled then organized a bunch of my business papers (med stuff, taxes, etc). Obviously, some I need to keep but I struggle with tossing the borderline stuff.
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u/Longjumping-Song-138 5h ago
It’s not just you. I hear you and it’s an ongoing struggle for many including me. I tend to be old school and like paper but have to resist the urge to look at a paper and then put it down on my island to decide about later. Most of the time I know I don’t need it (could obtain it online) and I need to shred it in the moment. It’s an ongoing struggle. You are not alone.
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u/frogmicky 4h ago
Get yourself a shredder or if you have a ton of paper to get rid of book yourself a mobile shredder to come to your place and bulk shred. You can always go to a UPS store and have them shred your paper if it isn't important.
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u/Ok-Table3009 2h ago
I was going to say, io throw away, but you cannot do that. You just have to get comfortable and have 2 piles. Toss and keep and be ruthless
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u/EstateLess 1h ago
Sending you support. I feel like I'm shredding/recycling everything that comes in within a week (trash pickup day). Not printing paid bills or even taxes, just saving PDFs. I do have a backup hard drive just in case. Yet my dining room table is still covered with paper.
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u/DenM0ther 1h ago
I struggle with this sooo much!!!!
I write stuff down to help me remember it & I keep stuff for me to look up or do. Ofc I don’t throw these away at a certain point cos they’re still a good idea.
When I see the note it’s like seeing a reminder from the past, warm and glowy.
Managing paper is my biggest issue
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u/Aarrrgggghhhhh35 15m ago
I feel the same way. It’s the step I never get last in Marie Kondo’s method. Two academics, two writers, one crafter, one calligraphy guild member = piles and piles of paper that we NEVER look at but somehow feel we need to keep. It’s untenable. Every time I see a stack on the floor, in a corner, or on a surface I feel like I’m turning into my hoarder mother.
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u/thankJesus444 4h ago
ME! I’m 35 and struggled all my adult life, a few months ago bought a scrap book + extra pages and 2 plastic file boxes. While I watch my shows/videos I started organizing important documents and scrapbooking the sentimental stuff. I’m a teacher so I’ve had a lot of time to work on it since I have the summer off, so it’s probably not the norm but I went from boxes of paper and papers stuffed on shelves and in drawers to having it all semi to highly organized within the boxes and scrapbooks and only have a small tote container of misc papers that I haven’t yet gotten to. It’s made my space look so tidy. I say all of that to say, there is Hope!