Are you always struggling to find that important document? Do you keep important paperwork here and there or wherever? It is easy for pieces of paper to quickly clutter up our homes and workspaces, resulting in those important documents vanishing …..Literally.
According to The Paperless Project research shows the average office worker uses 10,000 sheets of copy paper each year, and almost half of that winds up being trashed by the end of the day. Additionally 30% of people spend an hour or more looking for needed documents.
By implementing these seven strategies you can greatly reduce your paperwork intake and make life a little less stressful.
- Hit unsubscribe. Say goodbye to junk mail. It only takes a minute to register online for the National Do Not Mail List and remove your name from the records of thousands of direct mail companies. If you want to keep reading your local newspaper and favorite magazines, sign up for digital subscriptions.
- To print or not to print? Ask yourself whether you need a hard copy. Create folders and store electronic documents in the appropriate folder so you can access it at a later time.
- Copy less. Make only as many copies as you need. Use both sides of the paper whenever possible. Sounds cheap but this can go a long way.
- Bank online. Financial transactions leave a long paper trail. Pay your bills and invoice your clients electronically. You’ll also be protecting your personal information and spending less time shredding.
- Sort mail immediately. Pitch catalogues and advertising flyers before they come into your home. Remove any necessary papers and throw out the rest of the junk mail
- Be consistent. Papers are less likely to go missing if you habitually return them to one place and use a single chronological or alphabetical system. You’ll also make it easier for your colleagues to locate items when you’re out.
- Daily cleanse. Make filing and organizing papers a daily task. This will eliminate the pile up and dread that comes along with organizing.
Creating a paperwork management system can potentially provide you with an extra hour or more each day, along with a greater peace of mind. Put your home and office into shape and keep them that way…..The End.