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Gaining Control of Office Clutter
Now that I am almost done with graduate school, I'd like to transition our small home office from my school zone, to a space we can actually use to pay bills, organize tax records, etc. I'd also like for us to be able to use the space creatively for writing, craft projects, etc.
Currently, the space is completely unusable. Between my stacks of unorganized recipes, torn from magazines and written on scratch paper, and the piles of unopened mail (hey, at least we manage to pay all our bills on time since it's all online), it's total chaos and getting it under control seems impossible.
I've tried a few times to tackle the madness of our office, but there is just an overwhelming amount of paper. The mail never stops, and thus, our piles of stuff just grow. Generally, we end up doing a sort of "sweep it under the rug" kind of organization, where it looks clean, but whatever you do, don't open any of the boxes because there are random things just shoved here and there.
Our main issues: with such a small space, we need storage solutions that (1) help us cut down on clutter and (2) are easy to maintain. We are also pretty limited in storage space: our desk doesn't have drawers, but I do have a few file boxes, binders, etc. I am in the process of purging that will be available for storage. I also use a hanging wall file for things like warranties, bills, etc. but most of the time, things get put there and then forgotten (and then new stuff coming in just gets piled on the desk). It's a nightmare!
I really want a clean, simple space completely free of clutter. My overall goal for this year is to simplify every aspect of our lives, so I know my first step is to get rid of everything we don't absolutely need. I am committed to making some radical changes in my organization efforts, so radical suggestions are welcome!
Re: Gaining Control of Office Clutter
Izzy and Baby A ~ Adorable Punks
We also only have a small file drawer but it's amazing how much you can fit in there. I have a hanging file for bills to be paid, one for things that need followup, one for coupons, one for upcoming events. I shred any credit card offers that come in right away.
I also have a hanging folder for receipts for the year (for tax purposes if we were ever audited). At the end of the year, the file goes into a cardboard storage box with the year on it and thrown into the attic. After 7 years, we shred the contents. It has been SOOOO helpful to remove old years of files from our file cabinet--freed up a lot of room but yet the contents are still safe and we know where they are.
For recipes, I do the same as the pp with the binder. However, I also have a file of recipes I have cut out of magazines that I have yet to try. I *only* put a recipe in my binder that I tried and liked or else I get confused whether it is a good recipe, if we liked it etc.
My system works well for us but it is a daily thing too. I process the mail every day as part of my routine so it doesnt build up. All that paper can get away from you if you aren't careful!!