I have spent the better part of the seven months we’ve lived in this house trying to conquer the paper clutter demon. And I’ve done…better. I bought some organizational tools, I vowed to sort and toss mail as soon as it came in, we got a shredder.
But still, the piles arose. On the table, on the counter, on the fridge! So many papers.
So this spring break, I vowed to make some changes. Changes that actually worked.
That’s the thing about organizing. Sometimes you have to try it a few doomed different ways before you can see the perfect way to do it. You know, like Edison and the lightbulb.
{Counter next to fridge, aka paper clutter central}
…and a little of this…
{Kitchen table, aka Jon’s desk}
…added some of this…
{Martha Stewart lovelies, thanks to Staples}
…and ended up with this!
{Beautiful, functional files, and clear counter space! Woohoo!}
Isn’t it beautiful?!? I just love it. And it’s totally functional, I’ve used it every single day since. And that counter top is still clean. {The kitchen table is another story, but Jon is done with this semester in 7 days and counting, so we will be looking for some other solutions after that!}
So let’s break the filing system down a bit, because that has been the key for me. Each file is very specific, and the system includes EVERYTHING that causes my piles. Problem solved. 🙂
4. To Do: Things we need to take care of – DMV Registration, Bills, etc.
5. To File: Things that need to be taken up to the office to be filed – medical receipts, statements, etc.
6. To Shred: Things that can’t just be thrown away, and need to be shredded in the office.
7. Coupons: Instead of leaving the sunday paper lying around till I get to it, I take the coupon inserts out and file them here till it’s clipping time. Then I can throw the rest of the paper away {yes, I get it just for coupons}.
8. Weekly Ads: Sales Ads from my local grocery stores and Target, to match with coupons for the week. These get filed as soon as they come in.
9. Receipts: We work mainly on a cash system, using only the debit card for things like gas. This file is to hold receipts from the debit card, as well as pay stubs for the month {Jon juggles 3 jobs and the checks can get confusing}.
10, 11, & 12. Extras, in case I need another category. 🙂
I absolutely love this system! First of all, because it WORKS! It is an easy place for me to quickly sort things, and really and truly eliminates the paper clutter that had overtaken our kitchen. Secondly, it encourages me to actually sort through the paper as it comes in. Since there is a place to put it all, I don’t put off going through the mail and other papers like I used to. And lastly, it’s pretty. 🙂 The reds, oranges, and yellows match our kitchen colors, and the black matches the granite and blends in on the counter. I’m a happy camper with my new filing system! Paper clutter, be gone! 🙂
In the spirit of keeping things organized, today you’re getting my Printable Account Trackerfor free! Just click on the link below to download your pdf. This printable is perfect for getting your accounts in order, and works great in the front of a filing system. Enjoy! 🙂
Kayse Pratt serves Christian women as a writer + designer, creating home + life management resources that help those women plan their days around what matters most. She’s created the most unique planner on the market, helped over 400 women create custom home management plans, and works with hundreds of women each month inside her membership, teaching them how to plan their days around what matters most. When she’s not designing printables or writing essays, you’ll find Kayse homeschooling her kids, reading a cheesy novel with a giant cup of tea in hand, or watching an old show from the 90’s with her husband, who is her very best friend.
I’ve been searching the net looking for organization ideas and this is exactly what I need to do for my kitchen counter clutter! So you put the regular files inside the hanging folders? Can you explain why you used both? And what do you have on the side of your refrigerator? My refrigerator is also on the side of my counter where I put things. I noticed you also have a binder, what do you put in there? Do you have a place for magazines?
I’ve been searching the net looking for organization ideas and this is exactly what I need to do for my kitchen counter clutter! So you put the regular files inside the hanging folders? Can you explain why you used both? And what do you have on the side of your refrigerator? My refrigerator is also on the side of my counter where I put things. I noticed you also have a binder, what do you put in there? Do you have a place for magazines?