The biggest challenge that I have in staying organized, besides the lack of storage in my small space, is managing all of the paper that comes in, which is primarily through mail.
To tackle this problem, I bought a book years ago called, “Organize Yourself!” (Eisenberg, 1997). When I finally had time to read it, however, I could not find it because… I wasn’t organized. Even funnier, when I finally did find it, it was in my desk drawer where I suddenly recalled placing it so that I would be able to find it when I finally had time to read it. I had looked everywhere first before looking in the one place I thought logical to keep it! This is why I have begun working with a professional organizer. 😅
Anyway, one of the main things I learned is how to create a paper processing center, so if you have an overflow of mail that you need to get under control, read on…
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and shop through them, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support this site so I can bring you more content like this post. Thank you for your support. Full disclosure here.
Begin by choosing a place to set up your Paper Processing Center, preferably your entryway. I bought this table for mine and set it up near an outlet for my shredder.
Entryway Table 
Paper Drawers
As mail comes in, first sort it by family member by designating a spot for each person.
Then (or first, if you live alone like me), sort your mail into the following categories:
- To Toss
- To Ask About
- To File
- To Call
- To Do
- To Read
The mail that gets tossed, I add to my recycling bin or shred, depending on what it is.
The mail that falls into the other categories, I place into these neat little paper drawers. And on days that I do not have time to immediately sort mail, it goes into the colorful basket on the bottom shelf of my table (see photo, above right).
Items in the “To Ask About” category are placed with that person’s mail. Items “To Read” are torn out of their original publication and kept in a separate portable file to carry with you to help pass time (such as on a long flight).
The hardest part about the Paper Processing Center is… the processing. My colorful basket is almost always at least half full. And then I have to spend an hour for a day or two to get everything sorted out and processed.
Therefore, I am currently learning to transition to a paperless home. For tips for going paperless, please sign up below:
Until next time!
“She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.”
– Proverbs 31:27 AMP
Definitely need a system more like this! Thanks for sharing your great tips! I have been slowly shifting to paperless, too. It is so easy for paper clutter to get out of control!
It definitely is! I am currently drowning in it.😅 Thank you so much! 🥰
A dear friend of mine told me years ago that the only reason for a mess is because that item does not have a “home”. I’ve always remembered that!
That is so true! I am currently struggling to find homes for all of the things that I have in my small space. 🙏🏽💕
Thanks for all the really useful information, great blog post
http://www.garciafamilyuk.com
Thank you, and you are welcome! 🥰