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For me, most papers can get scanned into a computer. Most manuals are online. There are only a few things where you need the original: birth certificates, car and house titles.
Your tiered file holder really speaks to me. Thank you so much for showing that. I realize that my files are so congested, AND THEY DO NOT COMPLY TO MY BANDWIDTH REQUIREMENTS. Thank you so much for talking to us previously about bandwidth also. You are a gem, Dawn!
When my son became a new driver, I put the vehicle registration, insurance card, info on what to do in case of an accident, and a pencil, in a "red" pencil pouch. I labeled it "For accidents or police". I put the red pouch in the glove box of the car (one in every vehicle.) That way when flustered, it is easy to find the info you need. I hadn't thought about that same concept for other important papers but I'm going to do that!
I do that exact thing, too! I started out with a red pencil pouch but now with all the colors out there, I found a magenta one so I know what to grab and all my papers will be in one spot if needed. I do the same in another color for all oil change and other car maintenance papers. Great minds!!
Instead of the red folder, I use a fireproof box for those important documents. It has a handle so it is still portable in a hurry but is also fireproof in case we can't get it out of a fire.
I love the red folder idea, I used to work part time for an owner operator truck driver. I put all his very important documents in page protectors in a bright hot pink binder. He protested, preferred black like all his other stuff. He called me from the road, frantic to find a particular document, the state police were doing random checks and were in the tractor while he searched. I simply told him it was in the pink binder. The “embarrassing bright pink color” saved the day.
I've been using this system ever since your original video, Dawn, and it's been life changing. I have ADHD, and my brain has zero clue what to do with paper that's categorized by themes. But setting a time each week and month and doing what the label says (e.g. PAY) is so doable, I'm usually done with the whole basket before I get bored. 😅 One trick I've added was reframing "productivity" as my hobby. I make things like this as fun as possible (pretty basket and folders, YT in the background, cool pen to fill forms with,...) and I make them an important part of my life. Now if anyone asks, my biggest hobby is finding ways to stay on top of things and have the life and home I want. And that makes me feel excited about doing my paperwork. 🤣
I have ADHD too, and I've been using the Sunday Basket since I saw Dawn's version of it on her video awhile back also. It's helped me SO much! You might be interested in a book that has also helped me a lot called "Order From Chaos" by Jaclyn Paul. It's full of great ways to help adults with ADHD get and keep their homes organized. It's really motivating too!
Yay girlydroid! We are TWINS! I've been using the original system since Dawn introduced it also and love it! I have added a few more categories of paper I receive (like Medical.... and ADHD) and store all those extra half-used writing tablets in front of my pretty turquoise file folders in the grey basket. My kitchen is turquoise and yellow btw. ;-) However, I must admit, for the projects I am currently working (which can be several) I need to keep some paper out as I work on that project (while the other project paper is in a pile) or it is out-of-sight out-of mind. Not sure how to deal with this category! Any ideas? Thanks. Linda
I love this! The "hobby" idea has crossed my mind. But I thought it was just my Adhd side playing "pretend". Now that I know someone else does it I'm going all in!
Here is a tip for papers you need to store: I use large ziplock bags for receipts, bills, insurance policies, etc. instead of folders. You can zip them closed if you need to keep the receipts, write the year on them, see what's inside, and they take up less space than a folder. Also, it's easier to keep things in them since they aren't open on the side.
OMG I needed this tip. Keeping those little dang receipts in my files did not work, and copying receipts onto a piece of paper to then file is exhausting even to think about, so, wow, zip bags, perfect.
I have made plenty of folders. They don't work for me. I can usually get multiple years of reference material into a single Ziploc. The folders just spill and you can see the color of documents easier thru Ziploc bags, making things easier to find.
At the end of 2021, I finally got on top of my paper clutter. It took about 3 months because I had a ton in boxes that I didn't organize before moving...but I set a timer for 15 minutes every evening until it was done. My 2022 New Years resolution was to stay on top of paper clutter. I simplified my system & take a few minutes everyday to: Act on it, File it, or Shred it! No maybe pile or deal with it later folders...and finally...SUCCESS!
I appreciate that. I have boxes from years of health issues and then a series of unwanted moves and keep dragging it all around. I started and now need to motivate to keep going and finish this time. It seems so overwhelming.
@@mmartinez4117 Hi, It's listed as a link in the drop-down below the title. Click below the title where it says: ...more. (Along with other items featured in this video)
Thank you for the suggestion of working a little each day. I have started shredding my mail at the post office but I have to back track on the old stuff. I just set up my paper shredder next to my chair in the bedroom where I listen to the radio. Hopefully I can train my paper tiger.
Dawn I think I have seen all your videos. I found you a few weeks ago and I have binge watched all of them . My husband of 19 years died 3 months ago from brain cancer and so now I am downsizing and honoring Doug’s wishes by giving certain of his belongings to the people he wanted stuff to go to. At the same time I am decluttering MY stuff. I have simplified my kitchen. I am really proud of myself. I am in Minnesota. Maybe you could visit? The hard part this week was watching so many of Doug’s video and DVD collection leave our home. The people he knew would want the movies I didn’t want came over yesterday and took home a huge box. It made it real. Also when was doing my kitchen decluttering I could only do 15 to 30 min at a time before the whole last 2 years of his sickness and death overwhelmed me. But YOUR videos gave me the permission to do it in small amounts of time. God bless you. I love the videos with you and Diana as well since I too am a woman of faith.
Dawn, you are incredible. The timing of this video has blown me away, and I am praising God!...I have been watching your channel for quite a while, learning things before I was ready to start decluttering, and trying the occasional little thing here and there. This week I was ready to start - so excited! Only had time for 5-15 mins per day so far but making progress. I have started in the area that most needs it - the piles in the office that have sat there for YEARS. Just now, I was searching through your videos to find your system for paper clutter. I watched a couple of old ones but felt I needed something that went through explaining your whole CURRENT system. Then I saw today's video - I couldn't believe it! I haven't watched it yet but am SO EXCITED and amazed at how God sees my need and cares SO MUCH! Woohoo! Much love from England xx
And I have found that of the huge pile sitting for years, that has not been needed, no more that 10 percent will be kept!! We are such worry wart hoarders!! Have fun! Declutter away!
I've had great success with keeping a 12-month rotating file for stuff like receipts that I may need short-term. Every month, I shred last year's stuff for that month. It keeps things accessible, but automatically sets a time limit on how long I keep it.
I do This too! My husband thinks I'm a hero when I can find an old receipt. I keep my warranty paperwork with the receipt and if it's still under warranty for another year it stays in the folder.
That's awesome you have found something that works for you! I do something like that, but I have a basket in my desk file drawer where I keep similar things you keep. Instead of monthly, I empty the papers at the end of the year, temporarily holding them in a shoe box about a month, then my husband burns them. Every January I start my basket empty and fresh for the new year! I never have to mess with it unless I need to find a receipt or similar, and the most recent ones are on top. I think it works for me because I'm one of those people (a Butterfly, if you're familiar with Clutterbug) that have to have systems where it's VERY easy to put things away... I guess throwing them in a basket doesn't get much easier, lol!
Will you please tell us more about this type of date driven system? Please explain how you locate receipts quickly when you are fuzzy on the date? I’m not referring to major purchases. I realize most of us have a general idea within a few months on those things. For me, the concern is more like a smaller item (examples might be a hairdryer or a costly Halogen lightbulb that burns out sooner than a year) that may be buried on the same receipt as every day things like groceries. TIA
I had a similar question myself but figured if all my receipts were in one place, I'd eventually find it in the files. I can often (not always) remember which store receipt to look for. Just having them all in 1 place will be so much easier than current system.. which is scattered. 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Someone suggested I put my paper organization action center in my paper clutter spot. Then when naturally going to put my clutter there it was convenient to file it in my action center/file folder, etc. This also helped me justify making it pretty since it will be sitting out 😉. After six months of that habit building up, I then moved it into a nearby cabinet, which helped me be successful using my action center. Three years later I am faithfully using my action center.
Love your suggestions! I find it to be a balancing act between storing enough of the important paperwork and not keeping too much. As for Marie Kondo’s suggestion that we should get rid of all manuals, I disagree. I have found it extremely helpful to have an accordion file with manuals for my house (appliances, heater and water heater, generator, etc.) for troubleshooting problems, searching for parts, and so forth. I’ve also needed to access those very documents during storms when the internet is down or the power is out. So I consider some manuals worth storing.
Agree. I keep an expandable file for that. I also I keep in it the maintenance records for the house i.e. roof repairs, heating system, new faucet receipts.
It's also nice to have the manuals in case you ever decide to sell or pass along an item. Friends gave us their washer when they moved and had all the paperwork, including the warranty, which was very thoughtful.
I agree, I keep mine on my book shelf in a couple of those clear containers meant for holding magazines and I have them separated by rooms of the house like kitchen (refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster oven, etc.), bedroom (humidifier, treadmill, etc.), utility (furnace, freezer, vacuum cleaner, etc.), and even outside (lawn mower, snowblower, trimmer, etc.). It makes them easy to find, and I like to keep them in case we sell or give the item to someone at some point.
I already do a lot of these things! Great ideas as always Dawn. My best advice that keeps paper clutter super manageable for me is to not have any paper. All my bills and statements come digitally so I rarely have to file anything. We moved almost two years ago and I really wanted to deal with a small stack of "special papers" that were kind of sentimental so I scanned them using my phone and saved them to my Google Drive and recycled the originals. Now I can access them any time and I don't have to worry about them getting lost or wrecked in storage. I also have a label on our mail box that says "No unaddressed mail please" which stops a lot of junk mail at the source. When my kids were little and brought home copious amounts of artwork, I would display it for a little while and then scan it, again using my phone. Then at the end of the year I would print up a little book at Staples and pop it in their memory box. Easy peasy.
Your "Time Will Tell" folder has been life changing for me. I was aways losing important papers that I needed to do something with among the unimportant time will tell documents. Now I have one "To Do" folder, one "Time Will Tell" folder, and then a firesafe box with all of our important documents (including tax files). I never have to search for papers any more because I know that they will be in one of those three. I have also started actually completing my to do folder, too. It doesn't feel as overwhelming when it's just one small folder. And I can grab it and bring it with me to go through when I know I'll be waiting at an appointment for one of my kids' or something. I actually thought I was a person who couldn't be accountable, but now I realize I was just so overwhelmed by the old system. Now it's so easy that I actually want to do the tasks so I don't get behind.
I am a mom of 4. 1 is adopted and 1 has medical issues. It is brilliant to have a file folder with the important things for each. A birth certificate, SS card, shot records, surgery/major medical for my complex kiddo and legal for my adoptee.
For several years now I have been using a 3-ring binder with the clear plastic sleeves in it, one for each family member, each sleeve contains birth certificate, SS card, shot records, and CDIB cards (Indian)... Whenever we need to go somewhere that requires any of these I just grab my binder and go... has made it so much easier and I have gotten a lot of good compliments on it.
We have a similar system, but I got tired of having a big lump in the bottom of the folder, where the passports and social security cards and stuff were just lumped together. So I use the clear plastic photo pages (used in photo albums) to hold the smaller items, and page protectors for the larger ones. There are photo pages in a bunch of different sizes, from credit card size to 5x7, so there's a right size for everything, and they're easier to flip through to find the item I'm looking for.
I have a very helpful folder in my action file box called “To Attend”. This is where I put field trip information, school spirit week flyers, invitations, etc. Then I note the event in my planner. When I see the event is approaching in my planner, I look in the “To Attend” folder for detailed information (address, what to wear, what to bring on the field trip, etc.)
One thing I did was to switch to paperless billing with auto-pay. It keeps so much paper out of our house (also good for the environment) and no more late payments due to them being buried under a pile of paperwork! We have our credit card linked to the accounts for automatic payment. We build up points on the credit card which is a bonus. The credit card is paid automatically through our checking account. So much time saved and no paper to deal with! 😊😊😊 Keeping up with the random bills that come in is a breeze now.
We have an “in case of death” binder. It has our house deeds, wills, birth certificates, life insurance papers, vehicle ownership papers, a medical record for each person, retirement account info, etc. We also have a home management binder for short term papers. Then we have a current year tax folder where all our current year receipts go. Once our taxes are done for the year, that pile gets cleaned out and put in a box in the attic in case of an audit. All of our owner’s manuals go in that attic box as well.
I go through the mail every afternoon. We pay all our bills online and don’t really receive much in the paper form. I love the red folder idea and the time will tell bin. I have been slowly getting rid of paper clutter in my house. It feels sooooo good!!!
While my Mother was alive, I had a red notebook - one side had all of her medical info (living will as an example), flipped over was her funeral arrangements. Whenever they called and said to meet her at the hospital, I grabbed the red notebook. When she passed and they called us to the nursing home, I grabbed the notebook and was prepared with her funeral wishes etc. It was a game changer for me, no panicking! My husband and I have a small fireproof safe in our closet with all of our important papers, birth certificates, marriage licenses, car titles and our wills. We can pick it up if necessary, but wouldn't really need to - that has set my mind at rest too. I do have a small plastic file box that I keep all of our big purchase items receipts (in case we sell), how to books, warranties, subscription services paperwork.
I have a small spiral notebook 3x4", I keep on my counter for " to dos". I use it daily. I cross them out when done, and toss that piece of paper when complete. I have a bill folder and a file folder that I go through biweekly and pay bills, and file everything that same day. I've got a medium sized lock box with all the important papers inside, under lock and key- and it's portable. Very easy system 😃
I love the idea of keeping non-to-do out of the to-do pile! I think this is why my paper is out of control. I also am constantly feeling like I’m missing something important. Thank you for the tips!
Just want to say thank you for saying that it's not wrong to be "externally motivated" or as you put it accountable to others. My husband is very accountable to himself and I've always felt like I'm somehow broken bc I'm just not like that, I need people in my life to help motivate me to do things! 😁
I just saw a video showing a computer (i don't have one, and I'm 57 - i might never have one again!), plus two shelves nicely organized with piles of paper! That's worse than my current system! So i got out of that and found YOUR, thank goodness! Something we did: we put up a vintage "mail central" that my parents used in their kitchen. We put ours at the entry door! We have five slots going out, plus a little spot for stamps, etc, plus keys underneath. It's perfect for mail! You NEED a place to put things when they first come in, when you don't have time yet. Like you're walking out the door and the mail has come! (We've got a hidden spot!) The rest I'm CHANGING to your ideas! Have a great day!
Love your channel. Just found you! I’m working on reorganizing my home office after getting behind from caring for my father who was bedridden 16 months. He passed last month and I’m just getting energy to do this. I’ve always prided myself on being organized until this last year. My problem now is motivation. I’m literally exhausted. Mentally and physically. But, I might share what my mantra USED to be, and I’m slowly getting back to it. “Don’t put it down, put it away!” So, as I regroup again, I’ll be going back to that. Might help others here also. God bless you. I’m enjoying your videos. (Sorry I wrote a book)
Thank you for this! 🤗I’m in the middle of my spring cleaning and I have about 8 bankers boxes of paper clutter. Ridiculous I know but I’m making a conscious effort to clean up my life.
I see this was 4 months ago. Did you make some progress. I have boxes and boxes also. I started and stalled and now looking for some motivation to start again.
I put a small trash can near my mail slot in my living room. Now when we get the mail I go through it right away and throw away the junk. Having a time to clean my "hotspots" every night helps stay on top of it as well. We have also implemented the time will tell basket for school papers. It helps my daughter, who thinks she needs to keep everything, forget about it & then I can pitch it without a fit 😁
I also have a 2nd one for the Shredder. (My shredder is in the basement so once a week I specifically go downstairs to shred the documents, labels, etc...)
I realize this isn’t a solution for everyone, but I have a small trash can and a small recycling container on the front porch near the mailbox. If it’s junk mail that doesn’t contain personal information (like any of the former tenants’ migraine-inducing Ulta catalogs) it doesn’t even enter the house. Things like credit card offers still come in, but there’s a shredder near the entryway now to take care of those, too.
I LOVE the idea of keeping the actual to-do’s separate from the rest of the stuff. I think that’s where the hangup is for me! Thank you so much for this!
I haven’t watched your channel for awhile, but I just love your content. I am always so inspired. Because of you my house is clutter-free, calm and organized. I just love your phrase “I don’t want to manage too much inventory!” That really resonated with me and allowed me to get rid of sooo many really “great” items I just never used. I just went through my house again last week and guess what? There was still more inventory I didn’t need. There are many other things I’ve learned from you and I just am so grateful! Thank you! I also wanted to say you look beautiful and I think you keep looking younger with each new video you make! ;). Keep up your great work, you are making an impact on the world. 💛
I got an idea! RED FILE FOLDER Add a pen & RED Post-it pad in the folder. When you remove a document, jot down the DATE, WHAT you removed & WHY. Put it on the folder, refrigerator, &/or mirror to remind yourself to PUT IT BACK! LOL
Totally wired with being accountable to others!! I have friends who will all day long tell me I could start a business or do this thing that's needed in the community. But here's the deal, I'm SO much better as a support person. My Mom is too, and totally gets it. I show up! I don't always bring something, but I can clean and donate, run errands, make phone calls. Help greet/direct people and look at a situation and figure out ways to help where others aren't. I just don't want to be the person answering ALL the questions for everything, and figuring out what the next new thing could be. Implement and improve, not Inspiration.
You are such an inspiration!! Thank you for all that you share with us. More importantly, THANK YOU for always ending with “I love you”… many have no one in their lives to hear that from and we all need to know we are LOVED.
I process paper as soon as it comes in. Sort it & make 3 piles... 1)Paper i need to process, 2)Junk to recycle, 3)Shred anything w imp info, but docs i dont need). Then everything gets put away. Created folders with "To do", "Time will tell"(which has worked wonderfully👍& "To file". I did buy the system Tom was using, but put too much in there😊😫 and the file hanging plastic element broke! I am now in the midst of catching up & will creat your current system. I do put calender info w address on my digital calender. And have a fire proof case for imp docs. Great video👍 Thanks a lot💖💖
I file the mail as it comes in...today advertisement trash, previous owner back in the mailbox, joann's for Sunday basket. The other day a bill came paid online right away and added to Sunday basket. I have loved the advice you have given over the years for paper clutter. Looking for a red folder for those vital items. We had a tornado last night (didn't touch down) but made me think of grabbing certain things just in case.
We keep our version of the red file in our freezer. Most people don't know that the freezer is a fire-safe box. I have even heard that first responders know to check there for advanced directives. Our daughter knows that our important papers are there as well.
Curious, I’ve never heard of that. Are the papers kept in something waterproof? I’m wondering what happens if there’s a power cut and the freezer defrosts, will papers get wet? Thanks :)
@@carriecobb8 Our files are in a plastic file similar to the one Dawn uses. We've had power outages, but never any damage to our papers. Our freezer is frost-free, so maybe that helps, too.
Your freezer is not waterproof, though! In the event of a fire, everything in the area gets sprayed with the high pressure hoses. You need a fire proof & water proof safe. They don’t cost much. I speak from living this horrific experience first hand!
Love the red file - we do this. And also include account numbers, passwords, copies of wills, keys, etc. Just in case - that way if something happens to us, our person has all the info they need to handle our estate. Love your videos!!!
I love the Time Will Tell bin!! I can put things in there, guilt free, and when I go through it later, it's easy to let them go because I haven't touched them in weeks and didn't miss them! I have a fireproof safe for the most important papers. I also keep camera cards & flash drives in there when I'm not using them.
Vital documents (birth certificate, social security cards, home insurance documents, etc) should go in a fireproof file box, not a plastic accordion folder. Another idea for long-term records storage is organizing them in standard 3-ring binders. You can put plastic folder dividers in them so you don’t have to hole punch every piece of paper, and you can subdivide the binder with the folder tabs. You can then have a neat collection of 3-4 binders (or however many you need), each with a different category name: Finances/Taxes, Home, Car, Pets, Kids, etc. Reference binders like this fit neatly on a shelf, and are easy to flip through.
I JUST made an important papers accordion folder the other day. I’m so glad I did. It’s a load off my mind for if something should happen and we need to grab and go. I keep ours along with checkbooks, external hard drive, etc. in our fireproof bag. So that in case our house burns down, hopefully at least that stuff won’t. I’d really like to downsize our other files at some point too. I have already downsized a lot. We just have an ottoman with a file cube inside it. But tbh we don’t really need everything that’s in there. But that’ll come. One step at a time!
I just wanted to THANK YOU for such a life changing video. I lost some important paperwork over the past week that made my husband say “something needs to change”. I ran to your channel to search for a paper clutter organization video. I bought everything you suggested in the video and now my mail doesn’t stress me out anymore! It took a while to set up but all the effort has been worth it because I know exactly where everything is. Thank you for making my paper clutter problem a non issue! You’re awesome! Keep it up
I have watched this a few times. I run a decluttering page on fb and I am constantly asked how to handle paper clutter. I really like how this video is so easy to understand. I have shared this a few times with my group.
This is such a wonderful video!! I love how it keeps in mind that we're all different (some lean more towards inner accountability, some towards outer accountability...some like it out on a wall, some like it hidden in a drawer...some scan, some prefer paper...). And that a system requires a routine of keeping up with it, which could be paired with an enjoyable activity. It's very encouraging you've gotten paper under control to where it's not a big deal now! I'd personally prefer the vital documents be in a fireproof, waterproof container. One less stressor and risk if there ever were a flood or fire and they weren't convenient to grab. As someone who has traveled and moved a lot and likes to sometimes work on things not at home (coffee shops, library, friend's house...) or go camping, I really like how each piece of your paper system is a portable, light object that could say be put in a trunk of a car. As opposed to say files directly hung in a heavy filing cabinet. I even like the idea of all the pieces being waterproof at least and bonus points if also fireproof but know that's a bit from an emergency-minded or anxious part of me. That's just a personal balance for everyone to find their own sweet spot on. Like for me even though it's at more risk of permanent loss, I prefer physical day planner over digital day planner.
I love your channel and this content…and I’m a twin from Minnesota too, and can relate to so much of your experiences! 😊 The only thing for paper clutter that has actually worked for me is to combine it with getting the mail…where I immediately sift through and pull out the junk to put in the trash, pull out/file the important stuff, and set aside the time will tell items. What I HAVE to do for myself for bills, is then pull out my phone, log into my banking app, and input the bills into my Bill Pay schedule and setting it up there right away for payment. After that I file the paper, if I need it, into a 12-month accordion file and put each bill into the month it relates to. Bank statements and tax docs/returns get filed behind “December” for the year, and in January, I toss all the bills from the year and file my tax returns into long-term storage. And I keep this accordion file in my command center in our garage entry hall with our calendar, keys, etc. It’s the only thing I’ve found for me is to just take 2-3 minutes whenever I get a bill to schedule it IMMEDIATELY and then put the paper in the file folder…or trash it. Then there’s nothing to hang on to. I find myself avoiding it and making it bigger in my mind than it is if I don’t. Plus, I’m logging into my accounts more often and more aware of my spending than just once each week. But I love how you do your groupings and will be adjusting my files closer to that! Thanks, keep the content coming! 💞
My plan for OLD piles of paper that are overwhelming: 1. SORT by YEAR - Taxes separate 2. Have SHRED & RECYCLE bins handy 3. Can bundle w a rubber band & set in back of cabinet if it needs to be saved. Will need to fine-tune while working but need to keep it simple.
Fantastic content Dawn! And I was so glad to hear you mention the vital documents being kept in a safe even if it’s a small letter safe :-) also… It has been recommended to us to take photocopies of important documents, papers, passports even and keep them in a separate place from the originals :-) thanks again for sharing with us Dawn love your channel
I used to keep so much more than I needed, but after watching some of your previous paper clutter videos I really cut it back. Now, if it’s a “to do” I tuck it in the current week in my diary. I have a ring binder with plastic pockets for important docs, current insurances, most recent statements etc. I also have a letter rack as my ‘time will tell’ (I just go through it when it gets full). I don’t have kids or my own business plus most of my bills are paid online, so it’s really easy to keep on top of now. (But it took a long time to get there!!!)
I literally just reorganized my paper documents last week during my boys spring break! I’ve always kept a big container with files such as my home/mortgage, taxes (labeled by year only within last 10 years I tend to keep), insurance and vehicle documents also labeled on the envelope by year! Then, you began to talk about the “time will tell” which I have a similar one for school forms or mail/bills coming in…I used to be a teacher so I consider it like my “to grade” bin, 😂! My accordion folder I’ve consider it like my “graded bin” but those are also birth certificates, passports, school documents that are not needed on the daily but definitely need to be at an easy place to find when needed! I was so tired of digging into my big container to look into separate folders for them. I was smiling when you were talking and it was confirmed why I love your channel (and your sisters too) so much!! Love your practically and efficient tips! No fluff! 💖
Dawn, Love your red folder and “Time Will Tell” basket! Great ideas!! What keeps me on track with incoming paper is going through and handling the mail when as it comes in each day! Paying your bills on line automatically, with no paper bills, helps a lot as well! I will definitely add a couple of these systems! You are the best Dawn!
While I need to refine my system alot, I must say that just putting paper in baskets/cane trays instead of just all over the bench or desk makes paper more "manageable" and makes me more like to tackle it. It also narrows down the places that paper might if we are looking for something specific before its had a chance to be categorised.
I used to have paper EVERYWHERE. I purchased a shredder that I shred as soon as I go to the mail box, everything is gone through immediately. I have a family folder that bills go in. When I pay the bill it gets put in the binder and last month gets shredded. I also have a magazine holder on top of my desk. It gets gone through every 1 st of the month. I always go through and shred what I don’t need then I file the good stuff that must be kept in basement. That’s when I also change my furnace filter. I’ve been doing this for a few years so it’s a habit now. No more paper clutter. Enjoy the day
I love the red folder!! I don’t struggle with paper clutter. And I’m pretty good with keeping the right papers but I love having a go folder with birth certificates etc!!
Thank you for continuing to address this issue! 🙌🥰 I feel like so many other areas of my life are good and well under control, EXCEPT THIS! 😩🤯😑 I keep watching your videos on this subject and I think I can make changes and then I don't. 🙈😔😳🤦🏽♀️ So, like many other things maybe repetition is the price of learning with heavy doses of grace and understanding! You are such a blessing! God bless you! 🙏💜
I've created a "red folder" system for each member of my family. All categorized as Birth, Church, Elementary, HS, College, Social Benefits, Driver's License, Travel and Miscellaneous. When they move out of the house, that folder will go with them.
I’m going to implement the Time Will Tell container immediately! That’s such a valuable tip! Thanks! A few years ago when I had to take over my dad’s paper work, I added additional files in his bin and mine for receipts for tax purposes. It has really helped me keep those organized so I’m one step ahead at tax time. I also have a stainless steel briefcase that’s water-proof and fire resistant with all of his and my important documents. I keep extra cash in there too, for grab and go emergencies. (We had 4 tornadoes touch down today!) Every Friday is paperwork day. Yuck 🤢 but it works. If I skip even one week, I’m overwhelmed again and stressed to the max.
Love the red file folder! There are some really good tips in the comment section. I find helpful having a one page list, in date order, of when bills are due such as various annual insurance/s (gives me a heads up in case I want time to shop around for better cover), expiration of warranties, mobile contract, internet provider, membership, even passport expiry dates!
@MEG That's a great idea - the one page list. I have an index cards with credit card due dates on it but it's easy to lose. Where do you keep your list? I think I'll put mine in my pay bills folder, I'll staple it to inside cover of the folder I think. My car insurance expires & next thing I know I've auto paid for another 6 months, so this list will be a great reminder like you said to maybe shop around before it expires. Thanks!!
@@sylviajimenez4084 I tape it to the inside lid of a boxfile, so every time I open the box it's a constant and easy reminder to glance at the list. Inside the boxfile I have clear folders that hold any papers I need to keep, and I find that easier to flip through instead of opening up cardboard file folders. I really like the red folder idea to keep birth certificates, passports, etc. One other thing I do is keep a photocopy (one page for all, not individual pages) of any debit/credit/membership cards and contact details in case they are liost/stolen and I need to cancel them in a hurry, that way I'm not flustered trying to think what cards I have.
Well - now that I know I'm not the only one who is struggling with this, I might try it again. And this time, I'll give myself some grace. Thanks for making me feel semi-normal'ish. That's why I love you SO much! I feel you are my spirit animal. Thank you
As an Obliger, it feels SO GOOD to be understood!! I used to wonder what good it did to know that I was accountable to others but not myself... but after reading The Four Tendencies, it all made sense!
We live in Florida on the coast so usually once or twice a year we have to evacuate… I have copies in my filing cabinet and the originals in my to go box! I also have notarized copies of everybody’s birth certificates (in case you need more just write the city where your child was born in..) Insurance with pictures of the house and passports etc. etc. just pack up the dogs and the kids and we can go..
Dawn, Thank you so very much for going over paper clutter again. I have an entire room full of paper clutter that I just don't know what to do -- until now. You are so right about the system might not be bad but i don't have a time to work the system. You have encouraged me to try again. Thank you so much!
They paper system I use is working for me. All of them are influenced by creators like you. My long term file fits a cube, that lives on the bottom shelf. It is easy access, broad categories, and periodically purged. The “red folder” stuff is in a fire safety box. The daily stuff is recently conquered and working beautifully. I have a small apartment, next to where I sit at my table, I have what I call my day box. It is a sturdy cube, in it there is a $Tree napkin holder that holds taller things like my budget planner, calendar, and papers that need to be referenced and replaced frequently. There is an old butter container with a jelly jar to hold pencils, pens, stylus. Also that holds things like a few paper clips, letter opener & small post it pads. Other things have a place in the box like my password book, check book and note pad. Most important I keep keep urgent medical items there, as well as Tylenol and supplements used daily. Across the top of those is my weekly pill caddy.that’s it for IN the cube. As a lid, I use a $Tree tray that fits perfectly, to hold my planner any new letters/bills that need attention and writing utensils. It sits on Rubbermaid stool and is lower than the level of my table. It is almost unnoticeable, but functional, used multiple times a day. I hate to go into other people’s apartments and see paper clutter, medicine bottles, etc. covering their tables. I want mine to be clear. As far as the “time will tell” items, I have a large basket that I keep books in, that is where I set the newspaper and any time will tell items. When I take the newspapers out every week I check any other items, some go out, some get to stay for another week. The system took a lot of trial and error to develop, but it is working well for me. I’m sure eventually it will be tweaked as my needs change, but for now, it is working, a small investment and I have a clear table! The clear table surface was my goal.
Thanks for always being a light for the Lord. You definitely have the gift of encouragement. In our home we have a small file cabinet for the essentials (legal documents, taxes, insurance, receipts, etc.) and a binder. The binder has 4 sections 1. my to-do 2. my husband's to-do 3. in process (ex. A check that is in process) 4. Waiting (ex. a bill that is waiting to be cleared by insurance)
Dawn, these are all great ideas. I first saw this video a week ago, and while it's been a busy week, I kept wanting to come back and watch it again. So tonightI did, along with all your other paper management videos. While I'm going to implement all four parts of your system, two really stand out for me: the long-term storage with the general categories-no more agonising how to file these things. And the red folder-what a great idea. We have a backpack with our pet's meds, a couple of bowls, and some food for him, all set to go in case of an emergency. I'm going to put the red folder in there, too.
I love the red folder for important things, especially if there's an emergency, you can grab it and leave, knowing essential docs are there. Thanks for a great video!
This is so good! As a new housewife and mom I have started your paper systems already and they are so helpful! I'm hoping to learn and stay on top of paper now while I'm just starting and getting my house in order!
You are always a breath of fresh air. I love the way you keep growing, learning, getting into the reasons for things. You would be a wonderful psychologist.
That was sooo cute…”it wasn’t their fault” holding the file folders. I love her! She is speaking directly to our accountability (or lack thereof). I have a system to redo, then make myself keep up!!!
I have to get more organized too with paper and other paperwork. So Thanks for sharing. I will have to make myself do this. After watching so many of your videos I am always decluttering stuff. The ticket is me learning to be more mindful of my shopping. It is hard if your a shopper and thrifter to break that habit and even if you have the urge to not always go but to treat yourself here and there. It is tough. So watching your videos inspires me. I have watched your closet decluter video more than once. I do in many ways want to be more minimal in my wardrobe but it is not easy to not want to buy something new. So I remember you and Diana doing a video and talking about maybe buying one or 2 new items but you do not have to go buy a ton. I am trying to work on that. It is true really truly just wear those things that are our favorite and many other stuff just hangs in there. So if that is the case just donate it.
I tried the “time will tell” basket and was frustrated when there were some important papers me or my husband had put in there that I ended up overlooking because I had told myself “that decision will be made for me because that’s how the basket works” but based on this video I realize it wasn’t the basket (the system) that didn’t work, it’s that we put something important in the wrong place!
I love this! This weekends project will be going through all of our papers and tossing what we don’t need. The thing I do to as mail comes in I bring it right to the kitchen to go through it and immediately toss things I know we won’t need.
A big help is to call up companies that send you junk mail. Tell them you don't want it anymore. I tell them I order online and never look at their mailer. I also tell them I'm a hoarder and I can't cope with their trash. If they keep sending it, I will never order from them again. The mail has gone down 90%. Only Puritan keeps sending trash, and I haven't ordered from them.
"The red folder" is such a marvellous idea. Once faced with a crisis, what is really 'vital' becomes horribly apparent. Being prepared before hand, is one thing less to deal with while flustered.
Your "Time Will Tell" and weekly paper system changed my life! No more big piles of paper all over the counter!! THANK YOU!! We keep all our vital documents in a fireproof safe.
I added a "Sunday Basket" to my life after seeing your earlier video. I found a pretty small French wine crate with rubber feet and put in pretty colorful file folders. I admit I don't go through it once a week (bills come in and paid online) but all my papers are kept in 1 place. I even have a folder for my time will tell stuff inside the box. I put a couple small organizations buckets to place a small notebook, pen/pencil, marker and scissors so they are always within reach. We recently had a international move and I was going nuts because my basket has been in transit for the past 4 months so I recycled an old magazine holder and plain folders to get my life back together. Amazing how quickly I got dependent on it.
Dawn, I love this video. I just made my pendflex file. I purchased my "to do" file & they did a study, anything that is "standing up" in our office, we are more apt to DO IT NOW!
The biggest thing we have done in our house to reduce paper is to register with Do Not Mail to reduce insurance & credit card offers, catalogs & other “Junk” mail from our mailbox. It has helped so much - LESS paper coming in
I'm currently reading The Four Tendencies and I love it! I find it fascinating and love the real-life examples that the author describes and addresses!
My “red folder” is a burgundy binder with plastic sleeves! Haha I’ve got mostly the same files on my desk in a small rack AND a single plastic file box like yours. Very validating! 😄👍
I love the addition of the "vital papers" folder to the system. I've been referring to your old videos on getting rid of paper clutter when I need a reminder, boost, or to try to get my husband on board. I've shared them with others. Your decluttering videos have really helped me get through decluttering quickly rather than get bogged down in the details and my house, while still quite "lived in" is so much more peaceful! Thank you for these videos!
My best friend gave me an excellent piece of advice: "Just do SOMETHING. It doesn't matter how much, or what. Anything you do will help the overall effort." I'm in the middle of going through and purging old papers, so your video is very timely! Like others, I'm in love with the red folder and the Time Will Tell box. I'm organizing those as soon as I finish typing this. I have a home business, and somehow I managed to keep it going. But without paying attention I ended up with an office full of papers lying about, piles and piles of papers, not in my excellent organizing system. The first thing that helped me was taking care of bills and whatnot the moment I picked up the mail. That way the mess didn't get worse from day to day, and I felt like I had a chance. Bills, for example, never even hit a surface - I go online and pay them instantly, sometimes before I even take my coat off! Then, little by little, I started to deal with the old papers ... ... and I'm almost done!
What I love about learning why we do things or even why others do things is; it allows us to create strategies that involve acceptance of ourselves and others that then leads to improvement! It works!!
We got a version of the red folder but budgeted a little extra to get one that is fireproof after watching someone talk about losing everything in a runaway fire. Thought I would share in case it helps :) Love your channel
This video turned out to be a life-saver for me. I had no clue where to start. Each of your suggestions and explanation spoke to me. I immediately started with an accountability buddy. Also your inputs on how we feel, what's important, what's required again and not gave me so much clarity.. I could go through mountains of papers. Though not all at one go. I started with 30 minutes session and as my accountability partner pressed for completion, I kept increasing the time span to keep my word. I am so grateful you made this video and giving the confidence and direction in my most dreaded department 😊❤🙏
My father recently passed. I use one of those red file folders to carry around all of the papers pertaining to his estate. There are a lot of papers that go along with a major life changing event and it's nice to be able to keep track of them all in one place. When I'm finished I will probably file the whole folder with my taxes and if I haven't needed it in 7 years shred it with my 2021 taxes.
I like thinks that coordinate in color and style... like the white and black. And love the red file idea, color coded so it will be easy to keep track of!
Our version of the red folder is a fire proof bag. We got it off Amazon. That way if there was an emergency we could easily grab it. But if we weren’t home, it was still protected from a fire/disaster. I don’t have many parts of my life in order, but I do have this lol. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Hi can you tell me which brand you bought ? I have never heard of fireproof bag before . Interesting . I’ve only thought fireproof safes were the only option to save important things.
That red folder- yes! We have a fire safe in our house, and we keep one of those in there (you aren't always home when the fire starts!). Its so helpful EVERY time we need the big stuff. Ours isn't red, its just a general folder like what you might see in a kids binder, but we only keep 1 folder in the fire safe.
With my work schedule, I don't have time to go through my mail every day so my husband puts mine in my Sunday Basket so I can deal with it once a week. Your Sunday Basket video has changed my life! Mine is a pretty, grey braided fabric basket with handles so it's portable, I like the way it feels, and it's something I like looking at. I use clear folders within it as it helps my "out of sight, out of mind" brain. I currently have my Time Will Tell folder in it, but will be changing to a bin as I don't go through that part weekly and have decided with it being vertical, it doesn't work as well as a horizontal bin would. That Time Will Tell is just a gem of an idea!!! I keep a calculator, address book, markers, pen and pencil, a ruler, password book, post it notes, small note pad, stamps, and a small calendar in my Sunday Basket as well as my Action folders so EVERYTHING I need is handy and I'm more likely to take care of stuff! I have ADHD so it is used as more than just an action center because it helps me remember many things my busy mind can't keep track of on its own. I incorporated some of the things I learned from the book "Order From Chaos" by Jaclyn Paul. It's a book about organizing for people with adult ADHD. I have taken some of her ideas and incorporated them into the Sunday Basket idea, and it has given me a place to put my thoughts, usually on post it notes, of things I'm researching, considering buying, or ideas for projects like a flower bed I want to build or pictures of the types of flowers I want in it. I call this folder within my Sunday Basket my Thought Container and I have a few sub-folders inside it for Projects, Purchases, Research/Explore, and Random. It's kind of a "mind dump" area for me... otherwise I will have post it notes stuck everywhere, all around me, lol! Does it make my Sunday Basket a little fuller? Yup. Has it reduced my clutter elsewhere in the house? Double yup!! I usually just keep my Sunday Basket next to me in the living room so my "mind dump" is handy, unless company is coming over, because it REALLY needs to be handy for people with minds like mine or it will fall out of use very quickly. For my Long Term Files, I'm trying out having a canvas expandable file for each main subject, like "car," "medical/dental," "home" etc. with just the year as the broad category within each expandable part of the file so it's easy for me to throw things in them. For example, say I get a medical insurance benefit explanation or a car insurance policy... I just put it in that subject's canvas file folder under the year 2022. It gives me a place for these types of things where I know where they will be if I need them, but I can toss after "X" amount of years. Time will tell (haha) if this will work as I've just started it, but it's working so far and I think it's because I'm one of those people (a Butterfly if you follow Clutterbug) that need for things to be easy to put away. The Vital Documents folder is a great idea! It also springs to mind that people should keep an UPDATED list of medications in their wallets/purses at all times so that if they are brought to the hospital unconscious, medical personnel know what they are taking. This is extremely important as they can't give you certain medications without knowing what drugs you are already taking. Thank you Dawn for another AWESOME video!
I enjoyed this video! I created a Time Will Tell slot (part of a hanging paper holder) per your suggestion 8 months ago and it has been life changing in regards to paper clutter in our house! I also have the other pieces you mentioned and paper clutter isn't an issue any more! Thanks Dawn!
I love the Red Folder & Time Will Tell basket ideas! We reduced our paper clutter by going paperless for bills, statements etc. Plus we go straight to the recycle bin after we've picked up the mail and drop in the flyers and junk mail. I am considering stopping delivery of our city's free newpaper that is delivered once a week since we read the news online.
I adore the 'Time Will Tell" basket. That's brilliant! That is the final piece of the puzzle for me! And to flip it upside, and work from the bottom? Well, duh (on me)!
I really like to pay regular bills immediately when they come in. For regular bills I just go to my bank app and pay them online. I can have them sent on a date in the future if I don’t want it to come out of my account immediately. Then I don’t have to think about it any more 😀
First of all, I just wanted to say thank you. I discovered your videos last year and your tips and guidelines have been a huge blessing. I will definitely begin using the red file organizer to keep track of vital documents. Your suggestions are great. I'm also adding copies of our wills, home insurance policies, current pet vaccines/records, emergency contacts list, and a thumb drive with photos of our property and belongings. My sister works in emergency management and regularly sees families struggling to locate (or replace) important papers after a devastating house fire, flood, or tornado.
Great tips! I have the freedom filer system and at first was great to get me into the habit of taking care of paper.....now I'm learning to accept that bigger, broader categories are easier and simpler to keep up with! Biggest help for me is to get rid of incoming papers immediately and place action items in a designated spot to take care of weekly!
I was digging thru years and tons of useless, saved papers when I saw your vlog. It really gave me inspiration, practical solutions and encouragement! Thank you!
Thank you Blinkist for sponsoring today's video! You can try it FREE for 7 days here: www.blinkist.com/theminimalmom AND get 25% off a premium membership! We hope you have a great day!!! -Dawn
I don't know what your moms handle is on here but tell your mom I said hello!!
And that I miss her being on the channel! Thanks! 😉😘
For me, most papers can get scanned into a computer. Most manuals are online. There are only a few things where you need the original: birth certificates, car and house titles.
Where did you get the tiered file thingy
Thank you! This is so helpful!
Your tiered file holder really speaks to me. Thank you so much for showing that. I realize that my files are so congested, AND THEY DO NOT COMPLY TO MY BANDWIDTH REQUIREMENTS. Thank you so much for talking to us previously about bandwidth also. You are a gem, Dawn!
When my son became a new driver, I put the vehicle registration, insurance card, info on what to do in case of an accident, and a pencil, in a "red" pencil pouch. I labeled it "For accidents or police". I put the red pouch in the glove box of the car (one in every vehicle.) That way when flustered, it is easy to find the info you need. I hadn't thought about that same concept for other important papers but I'm going to do that!
I do that exact thing, too! I started out with a red pencil pouch but now with all the colors out there, I found a magenta one so I know what to grab and all my papers will be in one spot if needed. I do the same in another color for all oil change and other car maintenance papers. Great minds!!
Brilliant
That is SO SMART! My son is getting ready to take driver's Ed, and I am totally going to implement this!
Great idea
Great idea! There's not much worse than not being able to find the paperwork you need with, a cop at your car door!
Instead of the red folder, I use a fireproof box for those important documents. It has a handle so it is still portable in a hurry but is also fireproof in case we can't get it out of a fire.
me too, and I keep it in the basement because we live in tornado alley.
I also put mine in a fire proof/water resistant hanging file folder box and it's small enough to just grab and go
@@kimbucha2949 Same here.
Us too we keep it with our emergency preparedness packs
A Fireproof box is my standard wedding gift, and it's always appreciated.
I love the red folder idea, I used to work part time for an owner operator truck driver. I put all his very important documents in page protectors in a bright hot pink binder. He protested, preferred black like all his other stuff. He called me from the road, frantic to find a particular document, the state police were doing random checks and were in the tractor while he searched. I simply told him it was in the pink binder. The “embarrassing bright pink color” saved the day.
I've been using this system ever since your original video, Dawn, and it's been life changing. I have ADHD, and my brain has zero clue what to do with paper that's categorized by themes. But setting a time each week and month and doing what the label says (e.g. PAY) is so doable, I'm usually done with the whole basket before I get bored. 😅 One trick I've added was reframing "productivity" as my hobby. I make things like this as fun as possible (pretty basket and folders, YT in the background, cool pen to fill forms with,...) and I make them an important part of my life. Now if anyone asks, my biggest hobby is finding ways to stay on top of things and have the life and home I want. And that makes me feel excited about doing my paperwork. 🤣
I have ADHD too, and I've been using the Sunday Basket since I saw Dawn's version of it on her video awhile back also. It's helped me SO much! You might be interested in a book that has also helped me a lot called "Order From Chaos" by Jaclyn Paul. It's full of great ways to help adults with ADHD get and keep their homes organized. It's really motivating too!
Yay girlydroid! We are TWINS! I've been using the original system since Dawn introduced it also and love it! I have added a few more categories of paper I receive (like Medical.... and ADHD) and store all those extra half-used writing tablets in front of my pretty turquoise file folders in the grey basket. My kitchen is turquoise and yellow btw. ;-) However, I must admit, for the projects I am currently working (which can be several) I need to keep some paper out as I work on that project (while the other project paper is in a pile) or it is out-of-sight out-of mind. Not sure how to deal with this category! Any ideas? Thanks. Linda
I love this! The "hobby" idea has crossed my mind. But I thought it was just my Adhd side playing "pretend". Now that I know someone else does it I'm going all in!
*waves * just diagnosed myself last week. Fancy meeting you here!😆
@girlydroid I love this comment- this is totally me!!! 💕
Here is a tip for papers you need to store: I use large ziplock bags for receipts, bills, insurance policies, etc. instead of folders. You can zip them closed if you need to keep the receipts, write the year on them, see what's inside, and they take up less space than a folder. Also, it's easier to keep things in them since they aren't open on the side.
I use the zip folders from Dollar tree, they can hold larger invoices, w2s, 1099 and are a little sturdy.
OMG I needed this tip. Keeping those little dang receipts in my files did not work, and copying receipts onto a piece of paper to then file is exhausting even to think about, so, wow, zip bags, perfect.
I have made plenty of folders. They don't work for me. I can usually get multiple years of reference material into a single Ziploc. The folders just spill and you can see the color of documents easier thru Ziploc bags, making things easier to find.
Where do you put the ziplock bags? In a drawer?
Why not use pocket file folders?
At the end of 2021, I finally got on top of my paper clutter. It took about 3 months because I had a ton in boxes that I didn't organize before moving...but I set a timer for 15 minutes every evening until it was done. My 2022 New Years resolution was to stay on top of paper clutter. I simplified my system & take a few minutes everyday to: Act on it, File it, or Shred it! No maybe pile or deal with it later folders...and finally...SUCCESS!
I appreciate that. I have boxes from years of health issues and then a series of unwanted moves and keep dragging it all around. I started and now need to motivate to keep going and finish this time. It seems so overwhelming.
Where did u get the 3 tired file box?
@Rachel Enochs I really like the timer idea. Thank you for sharing.
@@mmartinez4117 Hi, It's listed as a link in the drop-down below the title. Click below the title where it says: ...more. (Along with other items featured in this video)
Thank you for the suggestion of working a little each day. I have started shredding my mail at the post office but I have to back track on the old stuff. I just set up my paper shredder next to my chair in the bedroom where I listen to the radio. Hopefully I can train my paper tiger.
Dawn I think I have seen all your videos. I found you a few weeks ago and I have binge watched all of them . My husband of 19 years died 3 months ago from brain cancer and so now I am downsizing and honoring Doug’s wishes by giving certain of his belongings to the people he wanted stuff to go to. At the same time I am decluttering MY stuff. I have simplified my kitchen. I am really proud of myself. I am in Minnesota. Maybe you could visit? The hard part this week was watching so many of Doug’s video and DVD collection leave our home. The people he knew would want the movies I didn’t want came over yesterday and took home a huge box. It made it real. Also when was doing my kitchen decluttering I could only do 15 to 30 min at a time before the whole last 2 years of his sickness and death overwhelmed me. But YOUR videos gave me the permission to do it in small amounts of time. God bless you. I love the videos with you and Diana as well since I too am a woman of faith.
I'm sorry for your loss. You sound like you are doing your best. Keep it up, a little at a time.
😊 thank you
Prayers for you,Kim❤ God bless you and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dawn, you are incredible. The timing of this video has blown me away, and I am praising God!...I have been watching your channel for quite a while, learning things before I was ready to start decluttering, and trying the occasional little thing here and there. This week I was ready to start - so excited! Only had time for 5-15 mins per day so far but making progress. I have started in the area that most needs it - the piles in the office that have sat there for YEARS. Just now, I was searching through your videos to find your system for paper clutter. I watched a couple of old ones but felt I needed something that went through explaining your whole CURRENT system. Then I saw today's video - I couldn't believe it! I haven't watched it yet but am SO EXCITED and amazed at how God sees my need and cares SO MUCH! Woohoo! Much love from England xx
Praising God with you! His timing always shows His love for us.
@@oliviarucker5013 So so true. Thank you and bless you!
Alice, I resonate so much with what you wrote. I am in the same situation. Thank you, Lord, for the timing of this video!
@@grandmaflossieandme413 Yay! Isn't He wonderful?
And I have found that of the huge pile sitting for years, that has not been needed, no more that 10 percent will be kept!!
We are such worry wart hoarders!! Have fun! Declutter away!
I've had great success with keeping a 12-month rotating file for stuff like receipts that I may need short-term. Every month, I shred last year's stuff for that month. It keeps things accessible, but automatically sets a time limit on how long I keep it.
Awesome idea, Judy!
I do This too! My husband thinks I'm a hero when I can find an old receipt. I keep my warranty paperwork with the receipt and if it's still under warranty for another year it stays in the folder.
That's awesome you have found something that works for you! I do something like that, but I have a basket in my desk file drawer where I keep similar things you keep. Instead of monthly, I empty the papers at the end of the year, temporarily holding them in a shoe box about a month, then my husband burns them. Every January I start my basket empty and fresh for the new year! I never have to mess with it unless I need to find a receipt or similar, and the most recent ones are on top. I think it works for me because I'm one of those people (a Butterfly, if you're familiar with Clutterbug) that have to have systems where it's VERY easy to put things away... I guess throwing them in a basket doesn't get much easier, lol!
Will you please tell us more about this type of date driven system? Please explain how you locate receipts quickly when you are fuzzy on the date? I’m not referring to major purchases. I realize most of us have a general idea within a few months on those things. For me, the concern is more like a smaller item (examples might be a hairdryer or a costly Halogen lightbulb that burns out sooner than a year) that may be buried on the same receipt as every day things like groceries. TIA
I had a similar question myself but figured if all my receipts were in one place, I'd eventually find it in the files. I can often (not always) remember which store receipt to look for. Just having them all in 1 place will be so much easier than current system.. which is scattered. 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Someone suggested I put my paper organization action center in my paper clutter spot. Then when naturally going to put my clutter there it was convenient to file it in my action center/file folder, etc. This also helped me justify making it pretty since it will be sitting out 😉. After six months of that habit building up, I then moved it into a nearby cabinet, which helped me be successful using my action center. Three years later I am faithfully using my action center.
Love your suggestions! I find it to be a balancing act between storing enough of the important paperwork and not keeping too much. As for Marie Kondo’s suggestion that we should get rid of all manuals, I disagree. I have found it extremely helpful to have an accordion file with manuals for my house (appliances, heater and water heater, generator, etc.) for troubleshooting problems, searching for parts, and so forth. I’ve also needed to access those very documents during storms when the internet is down or the power is out. So I consider some manuals worth storing.
Agree. I keep an expandable file for that. I also I keep in it the maintenance records for the house i.e. roof repairs, heating system, new faucet receipts.
I only keep the manuals for large items like appliances. I put them in a folder and store them near the actual appliance.
It's also nice to have the manuals in case you ever decide to sell or pass along an item. Friends gave us their washer when they moved and had all the paperwork, including the warranty, which was very thoughtful.
@@catbalou6511 you’re so right. The people who sold me my house left manuals, and it has been very helpful.
I agree, I keep mine on my book shelf in a couple of those clear containers meant for holding magazines and I have them separated by rooms of the house like kitchen (refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster oven, etc.), bedroom (humidifier, treadmill, etc.), utility (furnace, freezer, vacuum cleaner, etc.), and even outside (lawn mower, snowblower, trimmer, etc.). It makes them easy to find, and I like to keep them in case we sell or give the item to someone at some point.
I already do a lot of these things! Great ideas as always Dawn. My best advice that keeps paper clutter super manageable for me is to not have any paper. All my bills and statements come digitally so I rarely have to file anything. We moved almost two years ago and I really wanted to deal with a small stack of "special papers" that were kind of sentimental so I scanned them using my phone and saved them to my Google Drive and recycled the originals. Now I can access them any time and I don't have to worry about them getting lost or wrecked in storage. I also have a label on our mail box that says "No unaddressed mail please" which stops a lot of junk mail at the source. When my kids were little and brought home copious amounts of artwork, I would display it for a little while and then scan it, again using my phone. Then at the end of the year I would print up a little book at Staples and pop it in their memory box. Easy peasy.
Great idea!!
Do you use a certain app yo scan things to your phone or just use your camera?
Love the artwork idea! Thank you for all the suggestions!
@@andrayabarber579 I use an app called Scanner Pro it's as easy as taking a picture and you can name each item whatever you like.
Your "Time Will Tell" folder has been life changing for me. I was aways losing important papers that I needed to do something with among the unimportant time will tell documents. Now I have one "To Do" folder, one "Time Will Tell" folder, and then a firesafe box with all of our important documents (including tax files). I never have to search for papers any more because I know that they will be in one of those three. I have also started actually completing my to do folder, too. It doesn't feel as overwhelming when it's just one small folder. And I can grab it and bring it with me to go through when I know I'll be waiting at an appointment for one of my kids' or something. I actually thought I was a person who couldn't be accountable, but now I realize I was just so overwhelmed by the old system. Now it's so easy that I actually want to do the tasks so I don't get behind.
Mary! This is awesome!! Way to go!
I love the red folder idea. As a mom of 5 I feel like I’m always looking for birth certificates! This will help me eliminate even more paper clutter!!
And shot records.
I am a mom of 4. 1 is adopted and 1 has medical issues. It is brilliant to have a file folder with the important things for each. A birth certificate, SS card, shot records, surgery/major medical for my complex kiddo and legal for my adoptee.
For several years now I have been using a 3-ring binder with the clear plastic sleeves in it, one for each family member, each sleeve contains birth certificate, SS card, shot records, and CDIB cards (Indian)... Whenever we need to go somewhere that requires any of these I just grab my binder and go... has made it so much easier and I have gotten a lot of good compliments on it.
@@shannonmorrison8055 I do this also, such a time-saver.
We have a similar system, but I got tired of having a big lump in the bottom of the folder, where the passports and social security cards and stuff were just lumped together. So I use the clear plastic photo pages (used in photo albums) to hold the smaller items, and page protectors for the larger ones. There are photo pages in a bunch of different sizes, from credit card size to 5x7, so there's a right size for everything, and they're easier to flip through to find the item I'm looking for.
I have a very helpful folder in my action file box called “To Attend”. This is where I put field trip information, school spirit week flyers, invitations, etc. Then I note the event in my planner. When I see the event is approaching in my planner, I look in the “To Attend” folder for detailed information (address, what to wear, what to bring on the field trip, etc.)
This is a great idea. Thanks
One thing I did was to switch to paperless billing with auto-pay. It keeps so much paper out of our house (also good for the environment) and no more late payments due to them being buried under a pile of paperwork! We have our credit card linked to the accounts for automatic payment. We build up points on the credit card which is a bonus. The credit card is paid automatically through our checking account. So much time saved and no paper to deal with! 😊😊😊 Keeping up with the random bills that come in is a breeze now.
Auto pay also insures that you don’t forget to pay it on time and a bonus is your credit score is possibly affect. ❤
We have an “in case of death” binder. It has our house deeds, wills, birth certificates, life insurance papers, vehicle ownership papers, a medical record for each person, retirement account info, etc. We also have a home management binder for short term papers. Then we have a current year tax folder where all our current year receipts go. Once our taxes are done for the year, that pile gets cleaned out and put in a box in the attic in case of an audit. All of our owner’s manuals go in that attic box as well.
I go through the mail every afternoon. We pay all our bills online and don’t really receive much in the paper form. I love the red folder idea and the time will tell bin. I have been slowly getting rid of paper clutter in my house. It feels sooooo good!!!
While my Mother was alive, I had a red notebook - one side had all of her medical info (living will as an example), flipped over was her funeral arrangements. Whenever they called and said to meet her at the hospital, I grabbed the red notebook. When she passed and they called us to the nursing home, I grabbed the notebook and was prepared with her funeral wishes etc. It was a game changer for me, no panicking! My husband and I have a small fireproof safe in our closet with all of our important papers, birth certificates, marriage licenses, car titles and our wills. We can pick it up if necessary, but wouldn't really need to - that has set my mind at rest too. I do have a small plastic file box that I keep all of our big purchase items receipts (in case we sell), how to books, warranties, subscription services paperwork.
I have a small spiral notebook 3x4", I keep on my counter for " to dos". I use it daily. I cross them out when done, and toss that piece of paper when complete. I have a bill folder and a file folder that I go through biweekly and pay bills, and file everything that same day. I've got a medium sized lock box with all the important papers inside, under lock and key- and it's portable. Very easy system 😃
My style. Keep it simple - but Effective. Thank you.
I love the idea of keeping non-to-do out of the to-do pile! I think this is why my paper is out of control. I also am constantly feeling like I’m missing something important. Thank you for the tips!
I needed this today. Paper is a constant struggle and it seems the paper always wins😩. Wishing you a blessed day from Texas.
Just want to say thank you for saying that it's not wrong to be "externally motivated" or as you put it accountable to others. My husband is very accountable to himself and I've always felt like I'm somehow broken bc I'm just not like that, I need people in my life to help motivate me to do things! 😁
I just saw a video showing a computer (i don't have one, and I'm 57 - i might never have one again!), plus two shelves nicely organized with piles of paper! That's worse than my current system! So i got out of that and found YOUR, thank goodness!
Something we did: we put up a vintage "mail central" that my parents used in their kitchen. We put ours at the entry door! We have five slots going out, plus a little spot for stamps, etc, plus keys underneath. It's perfect for mail!
You NEED a place to put things when they first come in, when you don't have time yet. Like you're walking out the door and the mail has come! (We've got a hidden spot!) The rest I'm CHANGING to your ideas!
Have a great day!
Love your channel. Just found you! I’m working on reorganizing my home office after getting behind from caring for my father who was bedridden 16 months. He passed last month and I’m just getting energy to do this. I’ve always prided myself on being organized until this last year. My problem now is motivation. I’m literally exhausted. Mentally and physically. But, I might share what my mantra USED to be, and I’m slowly getting back to it. “Don’t put it down, put it away!” So, as I regroup again, I’ll be going back to that. Might help others here also. God bless you. I’m enjoying your videos. (Sorry I wrote a book)
Thank you for this! 🤗I’m in the middle of my spring cleaning and I have about 8 bankers boxes of paper clutter. Ridiculous I know but I’m making a conscious effort to clean up my life.
I see this was 4 months ago. Did you make some progress. I have boxes and boxes also. I started and stalled and now looking for some motivation to start again.
I put a small trash can near my mail slot in my living room. Now when we get the mail I go through it right away and throw away the junk. Having a time to clean my "hotspots" every night helps stay on top of it as well. We have also implemented the time will tell basket for school papers. It helps my daughter, who thinks she needs to keep everything, forget about it & then I can pitch it without a fit 😁
I also have a 2nd one for the Shredder. (My shredder is in the basement so once a week I specifically go downstairs to shred the documents, labels, etc...)
I realize this isn’t a solution for everyone,
but I have a small trash can and a small recycling container on the front porch near the mailbox. If it’s junk mail that doesn’t contain personal information (like any of the former tenants’ migraine-inducing Ulta catalogs) it doesn’t even enter the house.
Things like credit card offers still
come in, but there’s a shredder near the entryway now to take care
of those, too.
@@bakerfritz4681 migraine inducing ulta catalogs 😂 so true!
Organization is essential to happinesses. This vid has now become “ my favorite!” Thank you so much. ❤❤.
I LOVE the idea of keeping the actual to-do’s separate from the rest of the stuff. I think that’s where the hangup is for me! Thank you so much for this!
I haven’t watched your channel for awhile, but I just love your content. I am always so inspired. Because of you my house is clutter-free, calm and organized. I just love your phrase “I don’t want to manage too much inventory!” That really resonated with me and allowed me to get rid of sooo many really “great” items I just never used. I just went through my house again last week and guess what? There was still more inventory I didn’t need. There are many other things I’ve learned from you and I just am so grateful! Thank you! I also wanted to say you look beautiful and I think you keep looking younger with each new video you make! ;). Keep up your great work, you are making an impact on the world. 💛
I got an idea!
RED FILE FOLDER
Add a pen & RED Post-it pad in the folder. When you remove a document, jot down the DATE, WHAT you removed & WHY.
Put it on the folder, refrigerator, &/or mirror to remind yourself to PUT IT BACK! LOL
RED FILE FOLDER
Oh yeah, maybe add a cash stash too. (Taped in the back so you don't easily use it for "non-emergencies"!)
Totally wired with being accountable to others!!
I have friends who will all day long tell me I could start a business or do this thing that's needed in the community.
But here's the deal, I'm SO much better as a support person.
My Mom is too, and totally gets it.
I show up!
I don't always bring something, but I can clean and donate, run errands, make phone calls.
Help greet/direct people and look at a situation and figure out ways to help where others aren't.
I just don't want to be the person answering ALL the questions for everything, and figuring out what the next new thing could be.
Implement and improve, not Inspiration.
You are such an inspiration!! Thank you for all that you share with us. More importantly, THANK YOU for always ending with “I love you”… many have no one in their lives to hear that from and we all need to know we are LOVED.
I process paper as soon as it comes in. Sort it & make 3 piles... 1)Paper i need to process, 2)Junk to recycle, 3)Shred anything w imp info, but docs i dont need). Then everything gets put away.
Created folders with "To do", "Time will tell"(which has worked wonderfully👍& "To file". I did buy the system Tom was using, but put too much in there😊😫 and the file hanging plastic element broke!
I am now in the midst of catching up & will creat your current system. I do put calender info w address on my digital calender.
And have a fire proof case for imp docs.
Great video👍 Thanks a lot💖💖
I file the mail as it comes in...today advertisement trash, previous owner back in the mailbox, joann's for Sunday basket. The other day a bill came paid online right away and added to Sunday basket. I have loved the advice you have given over the years for paper clutter. Looking for a red folder for those vital items. We had a tornado last night (didn't touch down) but made me think of grabbing certain things just in case.
We keep our version of the red file in our freezer. Most people don't know that the freezer is a fire-safe box. I have even heard that first responders know to check there for advanced directives. Our daughter knows that our important papers are there as well.
Keeping important papers in the freezer is a brilliant idea. Thank you!
Curious, I’ve never heard of that. Are the papers kept in something waterproof? I’m wondering what happens if there’s a power cut and the freezer defrosts, will papers get wet? Thanks :)
@@carriecobb8 Our files are in a plastic file similar to the one Dawn uses. We've had power outages, but never any damage to our papers. Our freezer is frost-free, so maybe that helps, too.
Your freezer is not waterproof, though! In the event of a fire, everything in the area gets sprayed with the high pressure hoses. You need a fire proof & water proof safe. They don’t cost much. I speak from living this horrific experience first hand!
My mom had some of her important papers in the freezer. They were fine several days after a tornado destroyed her house.
Love the red file - we do this. And also include account numbers, passwords, copies of wills, keys, etc. Just in case - that way if something happens to us, our person has all the info they need to handle our estate. Love your videos!!!
I love the Time Will Tell bin!! I can put things in there, guilt free, and when I go through it later, it's easy to let them go because I haven't touched them in weeks and didn't miss them! I have a fireproof safe for the most important papers. I also keep camera cards & flash drives in there when I'm not using them.
Vital documents (birth certificate, social security cards, home insurance documents, etc) should go in a fireproof file box, not a plastic accordion folder.
Another idea for long-term records storage is organizing them in standard 3-ring binders. You can put plastic folder dividers in them so you don’t have to hole punch every piece of paper, and you can subdivide the binder with the folder tabs.
You can then have a neat collection of 3-4 binders (or however many you need), each with a different category name: Finances/Taxes, Home, Car, Pets, Kids, etc. Reference binders like this fit neatly on a shelf, and are easy to flip through.
I JUST made an important papers accordion folder the other day. I’m so glad I did. It’s a load off my mind for if something should happen and we need to grab and go. I keep ours along with checkbooks, external hard drive, etc. in our fireproof bag. So that in case our house burns down, hopefully at least that stuff won’t. I’d really like to downsize our other files at some point too. I have already downsized a lot. We just have an ottoman with a file cube inside it. But tbh we don’t really need everything that’s in there. But that’ll come. One step at a time!
I just wanted to THANK YOU for such a life changing video. I lost some important paperwork over the past week that made my husband say “something needs to change”. I ran to your channel to search for a paper clutter organization video. I bought everything you suggested in the video and now my mail doesn’t stress me out anymore! It took a while to set up but all the effort has been worth it because I know exactly where everything is. Thank you for making my paper clutter problem a non issue! You’re awesome! Keep it up
I have watched this a few times. I run a decluttering page on fb and I am constantly asked how to handle paper clutter. I really like how this video is so easy to understand. I have shared this a few times with my group.
She has a few videos about sorting and maintaining papers and they are game changing.
This is such a wonderful video!!
I love how it keeps in mind that we're all different (some lean more towards inner accountability, some towards outer accountability...some like it out on a wall, some like it hidden in a drawer...some scan, some prefer paper...).
And that a system requires a routine of keeping up with it, which could be paired with an enjoyable activity. It's very encouraging you've gotten paper under control to where it's not a big deal now!
I'd personally prefer the vital documents be in a fireproof, waterproof container. One less stressor and risk if there ever were a flood or fire and they weren't convenient to grab.
As someone who has traveled and moved a lot and likes to sometimes work on things not at home (coffee shops, library, friend's house...) or go camping, I really like how each piece of your paper system is a portable, light object that could say be put in a trunk of a car. As opposed to say files directly hung in a heavy filing cabinet.
I even like the idea of all the pieces being waterproof at least and bonus points if also fireproof but know that's a bit from an emergency-minded or anxious part of me. That's just a personal balance for everyone to find their own sweet spot on. Like for me even though it's at more risk of permanent loss, I prefer physical day planner over digital day planner.
I love your channel and this content…and I’m a twin from Minnesota too, and can relate to so much of your experiences! 😊 The only thing for paper clutter that has actually worked for me is to combine it with getting the mail…where I immediately sift through and pull out the junk to put in the trash, pull out/file the important stuff, and set aside the time will tell items. What I HAVE to do for myself for bills, is then pull out my phone, log into my banking app, and input the bills into my Bill Pay schedule and setting it up there right away for payment. After that I file the paper, if I need it, into a 12-month accordion file and put each bill into the month it relates to. Bank statements and tax docs/returns get filed behind “December” for the year, and in January, I toss all the bills from the year and file my tax returns into long-term storage. And I keep this accordion file in my command center in our garage entry hall with our calendar, keys, etc. It’s the only thing I’ve found for me is to just take 2-3 minutes whenever I get a bill to schedule it IMMEDIATELY and then put the paper in the file folder…or trash it. Then there’s nothing to hang on to. I find myself avoiding it and making it bigger in my mind than it is if I don’t. Plus, I’m logging into my accounts more often and more aware of my spending than just once each week. But I love how you do your groupings and will be adjusting my files closer to that! Thanks, keep the content coming! 💞
My plan for OLD piles of paper that are overwhelming:
1. SORT by YEAR
- Taxes separate
2. Have SHRED & RECYCLE bins handy
3. Can bundle w a rubber band & set in back of cabinet if it needs to be saved.
Will need to fine-tune while working but need to keep it simple.
Fantastic content Dawn! And I was so glad to hear you mention the vital documents being kept in a safe even if it’s a small letter safe :-) also… It has been recommended to us to take photocopies of important documents, papers, passports even and keep them in a separate place from the originals :-) thanks again for sharing with us Dawn love your channel
I used to keep so much more than I needed, but after watching some of your previous paper clutter videos I really cut it back. Now, if it’s a “to do” I tuck it in the current week in my diary. I have a ring binder with plastic pockets for important docs, current insurances, most recent statements etc. I also have a letter rack as my ‘time will tell’ (I just go through it when it gets full). I don’t have kids or my own business plus most of my bills are paid online, so it’s really easy to keep on top of now. (But it took a long time to get there!!!)
I literally just reorganized my paper documents last week during my boys spring break! I’ve always kept a big container with files such as my home/mortgage, taxes (labeled by year only within last 10 years I tend to keep), insurance and vehicle documents also labeled on the envelope by year! Then, you began to talk about the “time will tell” which I have a similar one for school forms or mail/bills coming in…I used to be a teacher so I consider it like my “to grade” bin, 😂! My accordion folder I’ve consider it like my “graded bin” but those are also birth certificates, passports, school documents that are not needed on the daily but definitely need to be at an easy place to find when needed! I was so tired of digging into my big container to look into separate folders for them. I was smiling when you were talking and it was confirmed why I love your channel (and your sisters too) so much!! Love your practically and efficient tips! No fluff! 💖
Dawn, Love your red folder and “Time Will Tell” basket! Great ideas!! What keeps me on track with incoming paper is going through and handling the mail when as it comes in each day! Paying your bills on line automatically, with no paper bills, helps a lot as well! I will definitely add a couple of these systems! You are the best Dawn!
While I need to refine my system alot, I must say that just putting paper in baskets/cane trays instead of just all over the bench or desk makes paper more "manageable" and makes me more like to tackle it. It also narrows down the places that paper might if we are looking for something specific before its had a chance to be categorised.
I used to have paper EVERYWHERE. I purchased a shredder that I shred as soon as I go to the mail box, everything is gone through immediately. I have a family folder that bills go in. When I pay the bill it gets put in the binder and last month gets shredded. I also have a magazine holder on top of my desk. It gets gone through every 1 st of the month. I always go through and shred what I don’t need then I file the good stuff that must be kept in basement. That’s when I also change my furnace filter. I’ve been doing this for a few years so it’s a habit now. No more paper clutter. Enjoy the day
I love the red folder!! I don’t struggle with paper clutter. And I’m pretty good with keeping the right papers but I love having a go folder with birth certificates etc!!
Thank you for continuing to address this issue! 🙌🥰 I feel like so many other areas of my life are good and well under control, EXCEPT THIS! 😩🤯😑 I keep watching your videos on this subject and I think I can make changes and then I don't. 🙈😔😳🤦🏽♀️
So, like many other things maybe repetition is the price of learning with heavy doses of grace and understanding! You are such a blessing! God bless you! 🙏💜
I've created a "red folder" system for each member of my family. All categorized as Birth, Church, Elementary, HS, College, Social Benefits, Driver's License, Travel and Miscellaneous. When they move out of the house, that folder will go with them.
Great idea.
I did the same,so helpful to teach young adults to look after their documents.
Now what goes in each of these
I’m going to implement the Time Will Tell container immediately! That’s such a valuable tip! Thanks! A few years ago when I had to take over my dad’s paper work, I added additional files in his bin and mine for receipts for tax purposes. It has really helped me keep those organized so I’m one step ahead at tax time. I also have a stainless steel briefcase that’s water-proof and fire resistant with all of his and my important documents. I keep extra cash in there too, for grab and go emergencies. (We had 4 tornadoes touch down today!) Every Friday is paperwork day. Yuck 🤢 but it works. If I skip even one week, I’m overwhelmed again and stressed to the max.
Love the red file folder! There are some really good tips in the comment section. I find helpful having a one page list, in date order, of when bills are due such as various annual insurance/s (gives me a heads up in case I want time to shop around for better cover), expiration of warranties, mobile contract, internet provider, membership, even passport expiry dates!
@MEG That's a great idea - the one page list. I have an index cards with credit card due dates on it but it's easy to lose. Where do you keep your list? I think I'll put mine in my pay bills folder, I'll staple it to inside cover of the folder I think. My car insurance expires & next thing I know I've auto paid for another 6 months, so this list will be a great reminder like you said to maybe shop around before it expires. Thanks!!
@@sylviajimenez4084 I tape it to the inside lid of a boxfile, so every time I open the box it's a constant and easy reminder to glance at the list. Inside the boxfile I have clear folders that hold any papers I need to keep, and I find that easier to flip through instead of opening up cardboard file folders. I really like the red folder idea to keep birth certificates, passports, etc. One other thing I do is keep a photocopy (one page for all, not individual pages) of any debit/credit/membership cards and contact details in case they are liost/stolen and I need to cancel them in a hurry, that way I'm not flustered trying to think what cards I have.
Well - now that I know I'm not the only one who is struggling with this, I might try it again. And this time, I'll give myself some grace. Thanks for making me feel semi-normal'ish. That's why I love you SO much! I feel you are my spirit animal. Thank you
As an Obliger, it feels SO GOOD to be understood!! I used to wonder what good it did to know that I was accountable to others but not myself... but after reading The Four Tendencies, it all made sense!
We live in Florida on the coast so usually once or twice a year we have to evacuate… I have copies in my filing cabinet and the originals in my to go box! I also have notarized copies of everybody’s birth certificates (in case you need more just write the city where your child was born in..) Insurance with pictures of the house and passports etc. etc. just pack up the dogs and the kids and we can go..
Dawn, Thank you so very much for going over paper clutter again. I have an entire room full of paper clutter that I just don't know what to do -- until now. You are so right about the system might not be bad but i don't have a time to work the system. You have encouraged me to try again. Thank you so much!
They paper system I use is working for me. All of them are influenced by creators like you. My long term file fits a cube, that lives on the bottom shelf. It is easy access, broad categories, and periodically purged. The “red folder” stuff is in a fire safety box. The daily stuff is recently conquered and working beautifully. I have a small apartment, next to where I sit at my table, I have what I call my day box. It is a sturdy cube, in it there is a $Tree napkin holder that holds taller things like my budget planner, calendar, and papers that need to be referenced and replaced frequently. There is an old butter container with a jelly jar to hold pencils, pens, stylus. Also that holds things like a few paper clips, letter opener & small post it pads. Other things have a place in the box like my password book, check book and note pad. Most important I keep keep urgent medical items there, as well as Tylenol and supplements used daily. Across the top of those is my weekly pill caddy.that’s it for IN the cube. As a lid, I use a $Tree tray that fits perfectly, to hold my planner any new letters/bills that need attention and writing utensils. It sits on Rubbermaid stool and is lower than the level of my table. It is almost unnoticeable, but functional, used multiple times a day. I hate to go into other people’s apartments and see paper clutter, medicine bottles, etc. covering their tables. I want mine to be clear. As far as the “time will tell” items, I have a large basket that I keep books in, that is where I set the newspaper and any time will tell items. When I take the newspapers out every week I check any other items, some go out, some get to stay for another week. The system took a lot of trial and error to develop, but it is working well for me. I’m sure eventually it will be tweaked as my needs change, but for now, it is working, a small investment and I have a clear table! The clear table surface was my goal.
Thanks for always being a light for the Lord. You definitely have the gift of encouragement.
In our home we have a small file cabinet for the essentials (legal documents, taxes, insurance, receipts, etc.) and a binder. The binder has 4 sections
1. my to-do
2. my husband's to-do
3. in process (ex. A check that is in process)
4. Waiting (ex. a bill that is waiting to be cleared by insurance)
Love you, Dawn! You are so down-to-earth and realistic…always encouraging…and so, so helpful! Thank you!
Dawn, these are all great ideas. I first saw this video a week ago, and while it's been a busy week, I kept wanting to come back and watch it again. So tonightI did, along with all your other paper management videos. While I'm going to implement all four parts of your system, two really stand out for me: the long-term storage with the general categories-no more agonising how to file these things. And the red folder-what a great idea. We have a backpack with our pet's meds, a couple of bowls, and some food for him, all set to go in case of an emergency. I'm going to put the red folder in there, too.
Thanks for sharing the pets focus ideas. We love taking good care and being prepared for them.
I love the red folder for important things, especially if there's an emergency, you can grab it and leave, knowing essential docs are there. Thanks for a great video!
This is so good! As a new housewife and mom I have started your paper systems already and they are so helpful! I'm hoping to learn and stay on top of paper now while I'm just starting and getting my house in order!
You are always a breath of fresh air. I love the way you keep growing, learning, getting into the reasons for things. You would be a wonderful psychologist.
That was sooo cute…”it wasn’t their fault” holding the file folders. I love her! She is speaking directly to our accountability (or lack thereof). I have a system to redo, then make myself keep up!!!
I have to get more organized too with paper and other paperwork. So Thanks for sharing. I will have to make myself do this. After watching so many of your videos I am always decluttering stuff. The ticket is me learning to be more mindful of my shopping. It is hard if your a shopper and thrifter to break that habit and even if you have the urge to not always go but to treat yourself here and there. It is tough. So watching your videos inspires me. I have watched your closet decluter video more than once. I do in many ways want to be more minimal in my wardrobe but it is not easy to not want to buy something new. So I remember you and Diana doing a video and talking about maybe buying one or 2 new items but you do not have to go buy a ton. I am trying to work on that. It is true really truly just wear those things that are our favorite and many other stuff just hangs in there. So if that is the case just donate it.
I tried the “time will tell” basket and was frustrated when there were some important papers me or my husband had put in there that I ended up overlooking because I had told myself “that decision will be made for me because that’s how the basket works” but based on this video I realize it wasn’t the basket (the system) that didn’t work, it’s that we put something important in the wrong place!
I love this! This weekends project will be going through all of our papers and tossing what we don’t need. The thing I do to as mail comes in I bring it right to the kitchen to go through it and immediately toss things I know we won’t need.
A big help is to call up companies that send you junk mail. Tell them you don't want it anymore. I tell them I order online and never look at their mailer. I also tell them I'm a hoarder and I can't cope with their trash. If they keep sending it, I will never order from them again. The mail has gone down 90%. Only Puritan keeps sending trash, and I haven't ordered from them.
I have played this video at least 4 times so it can soak in. I’m in this process and thank you for the encouragement. You are such a blessing.
"The red folder" is such a marvellous idea. Once faced with a crisis, what is really 'vital' becomes horribly apparent. Being prepared before hand, is one thing less to deal with while flustered.
Your "Time Will Tell" and weekly paper system changed my life! No more big piles of paper all over the counter!! THANK YOU!! We keep all our vital documents in a fireproof safe.
I added a "Sunday Basket" to my life after seeing your earlier video. I found a pretty small French wine crate with rubber feet and put in pretty colorful file folders. I admit I don't go through it once a week (bills come in and paid online) but all my papers are kept in 1 place. I even have a folder for my time will tell stuff inside the box. I put a couple small organizations buckets to place a small notebook, pen/pencil, marker and scissors so they are always within reach. We recently had a international move and I was going nuts because my basket has been in transit for the past 4 months so I recycled an old magazine holder and plain folders to get my life back together. Amazing how quickly I got dependent on it.
Your gentle encouragement in this is so sweet. Thank you.
Thankyou for years of helping me in my life
Dawn, I love this video. I just made my pendflex file. I purchased my "to do" file & they did a study, anything that is "standing up" in our office, we are more apt to DO IT NOW!
The biggest thing we have done in our house to reduce paper is to register with Do
Not Mail to reduce insurance & credit card offers, catalogs & other “Junk” mail from our mailbox.
It has helped so much - LESS paper coming in
I'm currently reading The Four Tendencies and I love it! I find it fascinating and love the real-life examples that the author describes and addresses!
My “red folder” is a burgundy binder with plastic sleeves! Haha I’ve got mostly the same files on my desk in a small rack AND a single plastic file box like yours. Very validating! 😄👍
I love the addition of the "vital papers" folder to the system. I've been referring to your old videos on getting rid of paper clutter when I need a reminder, boost, or to try to get my husband on board. I've shared them with others. Your decluttering videos have really helped me get through decluttering quickly rather than get bogged down in the details and my house, while still quite "lived in" is so much more peaceful! Thank you for these videos!
My best friend gave me an excellent piece of advice: "Just do SOMETHING. It doesn't matter how much, or what. Anything you do will help the overall effort."
I'm in the middle of going through and purging old papers, so your video is very timely! Like others, I'm in love with the red folder and the Time Will Tell box. I'm organizing those as soon as I finish typing this.
I have a home business, and somehow I managed to keep it going. But without paying attention I ended up with an office full of papers lying about, piles and piles of papers, not in my excellent organizing system.
The first thing that helped me was taking care of bills and whatnot the moment I picked up the mail. That way the mess didn't get worse from day to day, and I felt like I had a chance. Bills, for example, never even hit a surface - I go online and pay them instantly, sometimes before I even take my coat off! Then, little by little, I started to deal with the old papers ...
... and I'm almost done!
What I love about learning why we do things or even why others do things is; it allows us to create strategies that involve acceptance of ourselves and others that then leads to improvement! It works!!
We got a version of the red folder but budgeted a little extra to get one that is fireproof after watching someone talk about losing everything in a runaway fire. Thought I would share in case it helps :) Love your channel
Hi. I'm interested in the red fire folder. I was wondering where I could get on.
@@beth8037 I got mine online. I just googled fire proof paper storage
This video turned out to be a life-saver for me. I had no clue where to start. Each of your suggestions and explanation spoke to me. I immediately started with an accountability buddy. Also your inputs on how we feel, what's important, what's required again and not gave me so much clarity.. I could go through mountains of papers. Though not all at one go. I started with 30 minutes session and as my accountability partner pressed for completion, I kept increasing the time span to keep my word. I am so grateful you made this video and giving the confidence and direction in my most dreaded department 😊❤🙏
My father recently passed. I use one of those red file folders to carry around all of the papers pertaining to his estate. There are a lot of papers that go along with a major life changing event and it's nice to be able to keep track of them all in one place. When I'm finished I will probably file the whole folder with my taxes and if I haven't needed it in 7 years shred it with my 2021 taxes.
I like thinks that coordinate in color and style... like the white and black. And love the red file idea, color coded so it will be easy to keep track of!
Our version of the red folder is a fire proof bag. We got it off Amazon. That way if there was an emergency we could easily grab it. But if we weren’t home, it was still protected from a fire/disaster. I don’t have many parts of my life in order, but I do have this lol. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Hi can you tell me which brand you bought ? I have never heard of fireproof bag before . Interesting . I’ve only thought fireproof safes were the only option to save important things.
That red folder- yes! We have a fire safe in our house, and we keep one of those in there (you aren't always home when the fire starts!).
Its so helpful EVERY time we need the big stuff. Ours isn't red, its just a general folder like what you might see in a kids binder, but we only keep 1 folder in the fire safe.
Good morning, Dawn! The "time will tell" concept has been so helpful ☺ . Thank you ❤
With my work schedule, I don't have time to go through my mail every day so my husband puts mine in my Sunday Basket so I can deal with it once a week. Your Sunday Basket video has changed my life! Mine is a pretty, grey braided fabric basket with handles so it's portable, I like the way it feels, and it's something I like looking at. I use clear folders within it as it helps my "out of sight, out of mind" brain. I currently have my Time Will Tell folder in it, but will be changing to a bin as I don't go through that part weekly and have decided with it being vertical, it doesn't work as well as a horizontal bin would. That Time Will Tell is just a gem of an idea!!! I keep a calculator, address book, markers, pen and pencil, a ruler, password book, post it notes, small note pad, stamps, and a small calendar in my Sunday Basket as well as my Action folders so EVERYTHING I need is handy and I'm more likely to take care of stuff!
I have ADHD so it is used as more than just an action center because it helps me remember many things my busy mind can't keep track of on its own. I incorporated some of the things I learned from the book "Order From Chaos" by Jaclyn Paul. It's a book about organizing for people with adult ADHD. I have taken some of her ideas and incorporated them into the Sunday Basket idea, and it has given me a place to put my thoughts, usually on post it notes, of things I'm researching, considering buying, or ideas for projects like a flower bed I want to build or pictures of the types of flowers I want in it. I call this folder within my Sunday Basket my Thought Container and I have a few sub-folders inside it for Projects, Purchases, Research/Explore, and Random. It's kind of a "mind dump" area for me... otherwise I will have post it notes stuck everywhere, all around me, lol! Does it make my Sunday Basket a little fuller? Yup. Has it reduced my clutter elsewhere in the house? Double yup!! I usually just keep my Sunday Basket next to me in the living room so my "mind dump" is handy, unless company is coming over, because it REALLY needs to be handy for people with minds like mine or it will fall out of use very quickly.
For my Long Term Files, I'm trying out having a canvas expandable file for each main subject, like "car," "medical/dental," "home" etc. with just the year as the broad category within each expandable part of the file so it's easy for me to throw things in them. For example, say I get a medical insurance benefit explanation or a car insurance policy... I just put it in that subject's canvas file folder under the year 2022. It gives me a place for these types of things where I know where they will be if I need them, but I can toss after "X" amount of years. Time will tell (haha) if this will work as I've just started it, but it's working so far and I think it's because I'm one of those people (a Butterfly if you follow Clutterbug) that need for things to be easy to put away.
The Vital Documents folder is a great idea! It also springs to mind that people should keep an UPDATED list of medications in their wallets/purses at all times so that if they are brought to the hospital unconscious, medical personnel know what they are taking. This is extremely important as they can't give you certain medications without knowing what drugs you are already taking.
Thank you Dawn for another AWESOME video!
Such great ideas!!! I'll be reading the book you recommended & definitely making a thought container. Good tip on the med stuff, too!
@@meldixon7374 Thank you! Glad my rambling helped someone out there, lol! 😆 🤣 That book really is awesome, it has helped me a lot!
I enjoyed this video! I created a Time Will Tell slot (part of a hanging paper holder) per your suggestion 8 months ago and it has been life changing in regards to paper clutter in our house! I also have the other pieces you mentioned and paper clutter isn't an issue any more! Thanks Dawn!
I love the Red Folder & Time Will Tell basket ideas!
We reduced our paper clutter by going paperless for bills, statements etc. Plus we go straight to the recycle bin after we've picked up the mail and drop in the flyers and junk mail. I am considering stopping delivery of our city's free newpaper that is delivered once a week since we read the news online.
I adore the 'Time Will Tell" basket. That's brilliant! That is the final piece of the puzzle for me! And to flip it upside, and work from the bottom? Well, duh (on me)!
I really like to pay regular bills immediately when they come in. For regular bills I just go to my bank app and pay them online. I can have them sent on a date in the future if I don’t want it to come out of my account immediately. Then I don’t have to think about it any more 😀
Yes definitely, this too is what I do.
First of all, I just wanted to say thank you. I discovered your videos last year and your tips and guidelines have been a huge blessing. I will definitely begin using the red file organizer to keep track of vital documents. Your suggestions are great. I'm also adding copies of our wills, home insurance policies, current pet vaccines/records, emergency contacts list, and a thumb drive with photos of our property and belongings. My sister works in emergency management and regularly sees families struggling to locate (or replace) important papers after a devastating house fire, flood, or tornado.
Great tips! I have the freedom filer system and at first was great to get me into the habit of taking care of paper.....now I'm learning to accept that bigger, broader categories are easier and simpler to keep up with! Biggest help for me is to get rid of incoming papers immediately and place action items in a designated spot to take care of weekly!
I was digging thru years and tons of useless, saved papers when I saw your vlog. It really gave me inspiration, practical solutions and encouragement! Thank you!