| stop flow: |
what paper come in right now? why? how much junk, how much want, and how much really need?
this can take time and work, but you can often get off junk mail lists.
same content might exist online, but weigh this carefully. online portals can also come with risks, and maybe you need that paper to really remember and keep in check.
user manuals in particular: very easy search questions online, but consider download digital manual. companies may remove old manuals as time pass, websites go down, and so on.
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| use & discard: |
what will happen with papers that not need?
paper that shred not always recycle safe, or require special instruction in your area. where possible, remove and shred only sensitive information, and everything else intact.
for envelopes with windows, remove plastic before recycle.
might also consider craft options, especially junk journals, or even home recycle.
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| vibe check! |
before even bring mail inside, take look! is this something that really want or need?
put some type bin near door, and put anything that not pass check in here. might choose pass through later and remove any sensitive bits, or set some aside for craft material, but this way less can spread all over.
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| get comfy: |
before go at paper for hours, set up somewhere that not hurt.
keep everything close at hand: shredder? craft box? snacks and drink?
take breaks!
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| bit by bit: |
choose just one small category, pile, or even single notebook, and go until finish that bit.
remember: if anything in notebook or binder without purpose now, can take only those pages out.
make quick choices. spend too long stare at something? set in decide pile and go back later.
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| categories: |
basic categories...
pending: bills to pay, things to answer...
short term: warranties, brochures and pamphlets to reference...
long term: important documents, medical records, tax records...
decide later: things that need read more in depth before know what to do, that might be sentimental and need second look...
optional categories...
for craft pile: things that might go nice in junk journal or other craft project - paper with interesting texture, colours, weight, or just backdrop to paint over...
old art & writing
to scan or transfer: things that want keep, but prefer digital form instead, or just want that information somewhere different...
...or anything else you have lots.
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| give home: |
where do each category belong now?
do old art go in box, or maybe special nostalgia portfolio?
file documents by topic, by date, or some other method?
after scan things, where do those digital files go?
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