Becoming Paper Proficient

A happy holler to the homeschooling former procrastinators who have joined us! It was fun being with you at Capital Baptist Co-op!

Yep, I evicted all the squatters (piles) but two – and those I pared down significantly. (See Evict the Squatters! February 20, 2017). One pile is “to read” and the other is my desk pile of assorted things to do. I need to deal with both of these in some way that works for me. We’ll tackle the “to read” pile in another blog. Not procrastinating, just prioritizing!

I’m pile averse. Therefore, I must become paper proficient – skilled in handling papers. Some we generate, some are incoming. Either way, to put off developing this skill is to create a greater burden and aggravation for ourselves and others.

If you’ve also evicted the squatters at your house, you, too, are ready to figure out how to handle the “papers just passing through.” They are different from “keepers” such as scrapbook items that go to their assigned places.

Step one is Avoid and Eliminate. Do not let unnecessary papers into the purse, car, or house in the first place. Say “no” to unnecessary receipts and fliers. Discard backpack trash upon arrival. Toss the door knob hangers. If it weren’t frowned upon, I’d place a trash can by the mailbox. Toss or shred unwanted mail immediately. Put the necessary mail in its assigned spot.

Step two is Find or Devise a System for the “papers passing through” so they are stored, accessed, used, and moved along/tossed without homesteading at your place or becoming squatters.

Step three is Use the System! Herein lies my difficulty – probably because I’ve never had a suitable system. I’ve devised a good many but not been successful in using them.

I’ve been researching how to deal with paper. Above all, an approach has to work for the one who uses it. I like simple because simple takes fewer brain cells, less time, and is more likely to work and to serve me long term. Easy makes me happy so I do it.

One proficient method is the tickler file. I had heard of that but did not understand it well. There is good help for proper set up and use of a tickler file at www.homestoragesolutions101.com. You’ll find clear explanation and pictures there. Scroll down for numerous tweaks from other users including moms, teachers, business people.

When we were juggling more people and activities here, I would’ve employed a tickler file as initially explained on the site. Now, my needs are different. This week I’ll tweak the tickler and let you know how I’m doing. I’m downright excited because I’m desperate to become paper proficient. Are you? Let’s not delay that any longer. My desk is now totally cleaned off and I’m determined to safeguard my delightful new space.

This week take a look at the tickler file; set one up or devise a version that serves you. Share what works!