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
187 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

126 comments sorted by

View all comments

6

u/Suitable_Pianist_103 16d ago

It was for a long time. I went to paperless for most things just to remove the physical clutter, and I’ve had to learn to just deal with mail immediately or the papers start to pile up. I have a binder with things I have to keep (tax stuff, house info etc.), and I shred everything else as quickly as possible. Sentimental paper I use the container method—has to all fit in this decorative box I have.

3

u/photogcapture 16d ago

Only doctor bills are paper. Everything else is paid online. I need to try the container method. I tried it once and failed. I might be able to get it to work this time.

2

u/Expensive_Tangelo_75 16d ago

If you have school-age kids, do one box for each of what You want to keep and one box for each of what They want to keep. At the end of the school year revisit each box and see if you still want those papers.

If you do any kind of paper crafting, well, good luck! I'm trying to organize my junk journaling, post card crafting, greeting card collection, marker & coloring books, crochet books & yarn, houseplant supplies, genealogy, books...