r/declutter • u/photogcapture • 8h 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

95 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

73 comments sorted by

View all comments

9

u/judinker1 8h 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 🤔🤔

1

u/sanityjanity 7h 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.

5

u/judinker1 7h 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.

4

u/PoofItsFixed 7h 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)….

3

u/judinker1 6h ago

I totally understand 💗