How to Eliminate Kitchen Paper Clutter by Jennifer Swanson
Our kitchens are the hearts of our homes. Kids flock there. Guests
congregate there. With all the traffic in these dynamic spaces, its no
wonder they attract so much clutter especially paper.
You know how it goes. You toss the daily mail onto the counter. Kids
return from school, leaving schoolwork, notices, and permission slips on
the table. With good intentions, you sort the paper, creating more
piles. Before long, a dozen piles are scattered throughout the kitchen
until you have to use your counter space for something else, and
everything ends up in one big pile again.
Rather than fighting the papers that pass through your kitchen, work
with them to create a reliable system. An easy way is to turn your
piles on end by creating a small kitchen filing system. Trust me: a
small countertop file container looks much better in your kitchen than
all those unsightly stacks of papers, and it requires far less counter
space.
Begin with the piles you already have. Sort the papers into categories
that make sense to you, naming each new pile with a brightly colored
piece of paper. These will become your file headings. Continue to sort
until each piece of paper finds a home. Keep in mind, this will be an
active file system for papers you access frequently; others should be
stored elsewhere.
Once you determine how many file folders you need, choose a container
that fits. Portability is important if youre concerned about relocating
the system before guests arrive. If you want to add style, choose a file
box made of wood or metal.
There are many ways to organize the categories within your box.
Color-coordinated hanging files are especially effective; they add
visual appeal, make files easier to find, and prevent re-filing errors.
Divide folders if they get unwieldy.
Want a sample system? Youll need a 25-pack of hanging file folders
(assorted colors, letter size) and a few manila file folders
(reinforced, 1/3-cut tabs) to subdivide within the hanging folders.
Follow-up folders (red hanging files):To Do. This
holds your scheduled action items (write reminders on your calendar or
day planner). You can subdivide with folders for letters to answer,
errands to run, orders to place, items pending, etc.
Discuss. Information and decisions that require collaboration but
can wait until your weekly family meeting.
Finance folders (green hanging files):Bills to Pay.
Subdivide with manila folders, labeled according to your regular
bill-paying schedule (e.g., one manila folder to hold bills due the
first half of the month, and one for bills due the second half of the
month). Add a Medical Pending folder to hold notices until you receive
the actual bills. Create another folder to hold credit card receipts
(e.g., VISA) until you can reconcile them when the bill comes.
File Long Term. Temporary storage for papers, including financial
statements and tax documents that belong in another part of the house.
Keep this folder under control by filing these papers away each time you
pay your bills.
Reference folders (blue hanging files):Scheduled Events
. Tickets and directions to events (be sure to RSVP first), current
newsletters, this weeks church bulletin, etc.
Local Info. Maps, flyers, and ideas for family fun.
Meal Planning. File weekly grocery store ads, past meal plans,
and recipes to try. (Beware of letting your recipes take over, though.
Date each recipe when you file it, and toss it if you dont use it within
4 months. File it with your regular recipes only after you determine its
a keeper.)
Advertisement folders (orange hanging files):Coupons/Offers
. Subdivide with folders for services (photography, dry cleaning, car washes,
oil changes, etc.) and dining (including take-out menus and pizza
delivery). You might want to use large, transparent plastic envelopes
(rather than manila folders). Then, when you know youll be out for the
day, just toss the appropriate folder into the car.
Family member folders (yellow hanging files):Create one
for each family member. Subdivide for activities such as school,
music, sports, church programs, etc. Older children can handle their
own file boxes.
Deal with incoming mail every day. Sort through papers
quickly.
Shred or recycle items you don't need, and act on or file the rest. This
system works best when used hand in hand with a calendar or day planner.
Make a rule to file things only after writing them on your schedule.
To save time, store your paper shredder and recycling bin near your
kitchen file so that you can stand in one place for your entire mail
sorting routine. To prevent unwanted paper from entering your home in
the first place, visit
www.reduce.org
for instructions on how to remove your name and address from direct marketing
mail lists, credit card solicitors, and more.
Daily attention and consistent filing will help you manage your paper
flow, freeing your kitchen for other things like eating!
Would you like to get control of your schedule, paperwork, and clutter
so you can spend more time doing what you love most? Jennifer Swanson
offers some great free tips at
http://www.JenniferSwanson.com
