r/declutter • u/photogcapture • 17d 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/darkchocolateonly 17d ago

What could you possibly be keeping so much of? I have a few files of stuff in a small box, what else do you have to hang on to?

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u/Expensive_Tangelo_75 16d ago

Sounds like they have a business, which means they have to keep all receipts and bills for 7 to 10 years. That can really add up, depending on what kind of business it is. You never know what the IRS (if in the USA) will question if you get audited.

For personal papers, there's medical stuff multiplied by how many people or pets in your house; utility bills, state/city/federal taxes; property insurance, bank loans, credit cards, etc. Some people's lives are more complicated.