PAPER… It's one of the most frustrating items in your home and can create the most clutter. And before you stop reading, because well, PAPER is not very interesting (it’s actually quite boring)… know that this is probably my LEAST favorite space to declutter, but it has to be done!
Which of the following are YOU?
Piler: your home has piles upon piles of paper and all you see is clutter everywhere.
Stuffer: you stuff the papers in bins, boxes, drawers, cabinets so you don’t have to deal with it.
The “out of sight out of mind” technique, if you can even call it a technique.
Thrower: you don’t know what to do with the paper so you just throw it all away because it’s too overwhelming. Then down the road you can’t find that one receipt that you needed.
Saver: you save ALL the paper (just in case) because you never know when you will need that one receipt. However, your system isn’t working because you don’t have enough room for it all.
All of the above ways of dealing with paper clutter only work for so long before it starts to cause issues. Before I give you all the tips to tackle paper clutter, let’s dive into why paper is SO frustrating!
Paper is Endless
As a Mom, kids are constantly bringing home school papers and artwork. Bills, mail, receipts, ads/magazines end up on piles all over the counter, kitchen table, and office desk.
Paper clutter feels ENDLESS!
Where do you even store it?!
How do you know what to keep or
throw away??
When are you supposed to go
through it all??
Tax season is coming and you don’t
know where to begin?!
It’s SO overwhelming!
You want to feel prepared, organized,
and ready!
You want the piles to just DISAPPEAR!
You want it to be easier, less time consuming, and less of a headache.
I have something exciting to tell you!
Paper clutter can be more functional and you can stay on top of it.
And I’m here to give you ALL the tips to tackle the paper clutter and a system to maintain it.
Kids’ Papers/Art
Kids are constantly bringing home all the paper and craft/art things aren’t they?! Some of it is super cute and some of it is honestly annoying.
Because we are SO busy and don’t know what to do with it- we stuff it in places or make piles. The piles just get bigger and bigger and it just gets more overwhelming.
Here are 3 tips to tackling kids’ papers:
If it makes you smile and is sentimental- KEEP it
If it’s ripped/torn, scribbled, damaged, or a coloring page- throw it out or recycle
Ask yourself if you have space to store it? If not- keep favorites and get rid of the rest
Honestly, most of what comes home ends up in the recycling bin over here.
My favorites are the handprints and hand drawn pictures.
Storing Paper
Another issue I hear ALL the time is how do I store the papers?!
I like to break it down into short term and long term storage.
I know it doesn’t always seem feasible but paper should be dealt with immediately as it comes through your door.
Once you have a system in place it will take less time and become more manageable to sort it right away.
Short term storage options listed below are for limited time storage before going to your long term filing system.
Short-term storage options:
Picture frame (art)
On the fridge
Folder
You really won't NEED to keep many papers for long term. Long term storage is keeping the paper for the long haul.
This would include papers for taxes, sentimental kids’ artwork/papers,
important bills, etc.
We organize our long term papers in
4 filing storage bins labeled:
Medical
Finances
CEUS (for my continuing education).
Home
Long-term storage options:
Filing folders in filing bin
Binder
As I always say- do what works best
for you and your family.
There is no RIGHT vs WRONG way
of doing this.
But you have to do SOMETHING
to tackle the papers.
Clear Your Counters of Paper Clutter For Good
Having a system really helps cut down on paper clutter in our home. Get paper clutter off your counters for good by creating a Command Center in your home.
I LOVE to use a wall filing system for current papers. It’s easy, gets it off the counter, and visually more appealing. This is the best short term solution for paper clutter. The best long term solution for paper clutter is filing bins or a filing cabinet (as pictured above).
What is a Command Center?
A Command Center helps keep kitchen counter clutter at bay.
It’s basically a wall filing and basket system that maintains all of those papers, cords, pens, and notepads.
You can go big or do it small depending on your wall space.
I recommend including a calendar to keep track of your family’s schedule and a meal planning chart.
Another great option is creating a kid zone command center that includes their book bag, lunch box, school work, and event calendar.
You can totally combine the two command centers or have them separate. It all depends on the wall location/space in your home.
Let me walk you through how to create your own Command Center. I’m SO excited! This has been a lifesaver in our home.
Creating Your Command Center
Start by asking yourself the following 5 questions before you get started:
1. Where will it go?
Location is EVERYTHING! Where is the best/most practical place to put it? Kitchen? Office?
When you walk in the door? In the mud room?
2. What is the clutter?
What STUFF is on your counters taking up space?
What would make your life easier?
A family calendar or a weekly dinner menu?
A charging station?
What function will it serve in your home?
3. What supplies do you need?
You may be thinking I don’t have the money to create a command center.
This is totally doable on a budget! You don’t have to go all out and buy ALL the things!
See what you already have that can be used and then make a list of what you need.
This will save money and time.
What organizing items do you need to buy? Buy the item you need most FIRST.
Most of the time purchasing the hanging wall file makes the biggest difference.
You can always reach out to me for guidance!
4. How do you want it to look?
Check out Pinterest and get some inspiration.
Draw it on paper first then place your design with all your materials on the floor.
I have a few examples here in this blog as well.
5. Who can help you?
Hanging everything can be very tedious and time consuming. Having an extra hand to measure and hold as you hang is helpful.
Once you go through these 5 steps you’re ready to create your own command center!
I would love to see your BEFORE/AFTER pictures!
Tag @calmcottagecoaching and share your command center with me!
"Having a Command Center has been a game changer for my family.
When my son started kindergarten I was overwhelmed with homework, scheduling,
and keeping everyone in the household on the same page.
Allison helped me put together a custom command center
that works so well for our family!
Even my son loves the calendar and seeing the whole month planned out.
She helped me find the right products and
how to use them most effectively in the space we had."
-A Happy, Less Overwhelmed Mom-
Next Steps
You may still be thinking? I am still completely overwhelmed and have no idea where to begin. Lucky for you I created a step by step guide to ditching paper clutter for good.
And it’s completely FREE! Click the link below to grab yours today.
My Paper Clutter Guide includes:
5 Simple Steps to Decluttering
3 Pro Tips including a maintenance system
Top Four Favorite Organizational Products
If you’re thinking, ok this is great, but I have MORE than just paper clutter
in my home and I really need help tackling it.
I'M HERE FOR YOU!
I actually coach Moms to discover a Clutter Free Life through simple, small action steps that fit into your busy Mom schedule.
Hop on a FREE Curiosity Call today to learn how I can best serve you!
Check out my Private Coaching Options:
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