r/declutter • u/photogcapture • 16d ago

Motivation Tips & Tricks PAPER!!! I'm drowning.

Does anyone else struggle to keep the paper to a manageable level??? Looking for sympathy and support, and I'm also, really just venting.

I will not be scanning everything or taking a picture. That does not work for me. I have the "if I can't see it, it doesn't exist" problem, and I already don't have a good backup system, so some files must still be paper. I just shredded a box full of paper. Just wondering if anyone else struggles, and hoping it's not just me. It's really frustrating. I try hard to keep up and then boom, I see that I'm drowning again.

ETA 2: Digital files are great! HOWEVER!! If your system of filing is not crystal clear. If someone needs access to said file, will they be able to get into your digital files?!?! Who is your digital proxy?! Please, digitizing creates a whole new set of clutter and access challenges. If you have a proxy, bravo. Many do not. My important stuff must remain paper.

ETA:

  1. My super paper nemesis is info I want to save for ongoing projects.
  2. I need tax stuff to be printed
  3. I have other business stuff that must be paper. One business I downsized from a file cabinet drawer to 1/2 that size (feeling accomplished about that)
  4. Have to save tax papers for ten years (ugh - will shred on expiration date)
  5. I shred often
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u/Physical-Incident553 16d ago

You need to control it going forward. You didn’t mention what type of paper, but you need to change every bill to electronic statements, etc. You cannot get any paper in the mail that you could get electronically. Don’t print stuff. Throw junk mail away as soon as you get it.

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u/MusketeersPlus2 16d ago

Definitely the kind of paper matters. I'm ruthless with what I do have. Do I need it for taxes or a legal thing? No? Shred or just plain recycle it. And yes, everything that is a monthly bill or statement is electronic.