I talk about the mail a lot in my newsletter, Organewz, and to my clients. I write about it again because I have seen so many people still without one place for their mail. The worst part is the anxiety that goes along with not knowing where a bill or water shut off notice is! It is just too nervewracking!
Here is how to create a complete mail center. Include the following (altogether in one spot):
1. large table for sorting
2. Trashcan
3. Folder or wall pocket labeled "bills". Inside this folder or wall hanging pocket, I like to have two folders for bills due at the beginning of the month 1-15 and bills due towards the end of the month 15-30. Many companies will allow you to schedule your bill due dates. That makes it easy to consolidate them either in the beginning or end of the month.
4. A "Pending" folder or a tickler file. Designate one place for those little scraps of paper, such as wedding invitations, appointments to schedule, and information to enter into the computer.
A tickler file includes slots for each day of the month 1-31, and each month of the year, Jan-Dec. That way, you can place each scrap of paper on a specific day of the year. That gives a definitive time and date for taking action on the "pending" items. (check out the product link below)
If you choose to have a general pending file, look through the file every so often (depending on how pressing the tasks are) and take action.
The thing that is wonderful about a tickler file, is that both "hot" and "warm" tasks can go into it, and if you review your next day's tasks, you will not forget to complete the tasks.
With a general "pending" or "now" folder, it is easier to forget to look through the file and take action.
You can also paperclip these scraps into your calendar, just be wary of the papers falling out or creating too much bulk.
5. To File- for mail coming in that doesn't require any action, just put it in the "to file" basket or hanging wall pocket. When it gets full, take the time to file the papers away. Another use for this category is to put the stubs after you've paid your bills in the "to file" pile. Or you can file them straightaway after bill paying. It depends on your energy levels!
You do need to have a file system intact. (stay tuned for the next issue of Organewz). If you do not currently have a file system, start separating your papers using manila folders. Label the folder using a title you would think to look back on. So if you just got your lawn cut, for example, don't label the folder by the lawn company. Not many people even know the name of their lawn company! Just label the folder, "lawn" or "home maintenance".
6. Medical reimbursements- I include this category as an optional one, depending on your insurance company. Some people have the arduous task of having to submit receipts to their medical insurance company. Believe me, this can involve a lot of paper. If this speaks to you, keep another wall hanging pocket for medical reimbursements in your mail center.
7. Outgoing Mailbox-one really wonderful item to include in your mail center is an outgoing mail box. All this means is for you to pickup an attractive box and put scissors, envelopes, scotch tape, stamps, return address labels, and pens inside of it. Having an outgoing mailbox makes paying bills easier because everything you need is onhand in one location!
Review- After the mailperson comes, pick up the mail onto your mailsorting table. Throw out the junk mail immediately. Open the rest of the mail. Put the items not requiring any action in the "to file" pocket. Put the bills in the "bills" pocket. The medical receipts in the "medical receipts" pocket. Any other piece of paper requiring action goes into your tickler file or paperclipped in your calendar to complete on a certain date.
It is my hope that by creating a mail center, you can continue to wage your war on clutter and gain the balanced life that you so deserve.
Rebekah Slatkin is a professional organizer dedicated to getting people organized through hands-on decluttering sessions, teleconferencing, coaching, and her website http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com
Visit http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com and subscribe to Organewz, her ezine dedicated to organized living and get organizing tips- free.
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWe previously noted that papers must be sorted before they... Read More
Finish each day and be done with it. You have... Read More
I recently had a conversation with a friend about clutter.... Read More
Do you feel like you just get too much e-mail?... Read More
Buried under mountains of paperwork from your company? Do the... Read More
Home organization isn't just for neat-nicks or those drawn toward... Read More
One of the most basic ways to find papers when... Read More
There is nothing worse then spending ten minutes looking for... Read More
Decide When And Where To StartDecide when and where to... Read More
There are eight distinct steps to constructing and executing an... Read More
What do you gain if you SIMPLIFY?Dictionary* says:to reduce to... Read More
Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More
It is 5:00 pm and Cindy has no idea what... Read More
One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have a to-do list a mile... Read More
What does "quality of life" mean to you? If you... Read More
A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home? Start... Read More
I like a room you can dance in the middle... Read More
1. Sink to their level. Get on your knees in... Read More
1. All or nothing thinking/taking on too much." I'm going... Read More
Life is about maintaining a balance of all aspects. At... Read More
It may seem far-fetched, but by organizing your desk, your... Read More
Take a look around you right now. Look away from... Read More
Chances are, most of you have a lot you need... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..What method do you currently use to organize your family?... Read More
1. THE LOVE IT OR LOSE IT PRINCIPLE: Every item... Read More
A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More
It takes effort to get results, and not just any... Read More
I know I have a problem when I have to... Read More
Hasn't time flown? Already we're into the last quarter of... Read More
Finish each day and be done with it. You have... Read More
So you've decided to get organized, but you just don't... Read More
Nature loves clutter. Just think of all the stuff that... Read More
Clothes. Check. School supplies. Check. No doubt you've got to... Read More
? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More
In one of my favorite books, First Things First, written... Read More
Each area of your home has a symbolic meaning with... Read More
It happens without warning. One day you notice your home... Read More
I'm sure most of you have heard of Zig Ziglar... Read More
"The real question is, why do you want it? What... Read More
There are 3 kinds of clutter: Inner (between our ears);... Read More
I recently conducted a survey to look at the relationship... Read More
1. In terms of organization, what is the first thing... Read More
Studies show that 80 percent of what we use comes... Read More
Spring is such a refreshing time- we are filled with... Read More
Has your polished mahogany (or modular plastic) desk been buried... Read More
* Cupboards and drawers should contain items that are grouped... Read More
How do you know if you need to clean out?... Read More
Keeping on task and getting organized starts with a basic... Read More
Get Organized - Organization |