How to Conquer Paper Clutter in 3 Easy Steps!

Join the month-long Love Your Space challenge and learn how to conquer and reduce paper clutter in 3 simple steps.

Do you wish you could reduce clutter, organize, and decorate your house but don’t think you have enough time? Join the 28-Day challenge and take a few minutes each day to transform your home room by room and love your space!

How to Conquer Paper Clutter

Howdy! Only two more challenges left! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed doing all of these fun little projects. And not just because I’m a decorating crazy machine, but because of all the motivation and inspiration I had from all of your comments, excitement, and participation. So. Much. Fun.

Now, on to today’s challenge…  If you have missed any of the previous ones or want to start at the beginning, just click on the link below.

Week 1 Living Spaces

• Challenge #1: Move a Piece of Furniture
• Challenge #2: Hang Something New on Your Wall
• Challenge #3: Style Your Coffee Table
• Challenge #4: Add Fresh Air
• Challenge #5: Style Your Bookcase

Week 2 Sleeping Spaces

• Challenge #6: Change Your Textiles (bedding)
• Challenge #7: Change Your Drawer Knobs
• Challenge #8: Have Your Clothes Ready to Wear
• Challenge #9: Dress Your Dresser
• Challenge #10: Be Ready for Guests

Week 3 Eating Spaces

• Challenge #11: Set Up a Tea/Coffee Station
• Challenge #12: Spruce Up Your Seating
• Challenge #13: Organize Your Pantry. Fast.
• Challenge #14: Style Your Buffet/Sideboard
• Challenge #15: Treat Your Kitchen Window

Week 4 Bathroom, Laundry Room, and Office

• Challenge #16: Make Your Bathroom Pretty
• Challenge #17: Organize your Laundry Room
• Challenge #18: Repurpose Something!
• Challenge #19: Conquer Paper Clutter
• Challenge #20:  Organize a Junk Drawer

Okay, I realize some of you winced when you read that but hopefully, some of you are excited.  A little bit? Anyone? It’s not Friday so I am not expecting more than 15 or 20 minutes of your time. 😉 See, I’m looking out for you! Now, I am just talking about mail, bills, stuff kids bring home, etc…

Here are three easy steps to use to keep the kitchen counter, desktop, and dining table paper-free. At least most of the time.

Option 1:  Get to the source of the problem.  Go paperless whenever possible.  You can do just about everything online now, so whatever you feel comfortable doing online, do it.  I am even slowly transitioning to reading magazines online.  Check out this article on how to go paperless at home.

If you do enjoy reading and saving magazines (like moi), only keep the ones that you like more than 3 or 4 pages.  Otherwise, rip out those pages and put them in a portfolio or scan them into your computer.

Option 2:  Be ready. As soon as you enter the door with any “paper items” in hand, have a place for them to go.  We have a recycling bin right outside the door, so junk mail and trash don’t even come inside the house. 

For other items that just need a place to sit until used, read, or file away; have a basket right by the front door and go through it at least once a week to keep it manageable.

(This basket was handmade by Baskets by Emily and we love it! You can check out her website here.)

Option 3:  Keep active filing easily accessible. Store files like your annual tax refund paperwork in your usual spot but keep a decorative storage container like a magazine basket to keep files for bills, medical paperwork, report cards, etc., so you can put them directly in. Place your pretty filing storage in a spot you see and use every day!

Find out more DIY pretty filing solutions in this article.

Tip: If you have kids, let them pick a favorite story, drawing, or project once a week/bi-weekly, and recycle the rest (when they aren’t watching). 😉 Display their favorites.  (UPDATE:  My best friends suggested taking pictures of all your child’s artwork and then creating a photo book at the end of the year.  She is full of great ideas!)

Well, after this busy month, something else is happening next.  Up to Date Interiors is almost a year old. Aw! February 2nd is the big day and I have a whole week of exciting posts planned for you the first week of February.  Gosh, I can’t believe it’s almost here.

How to Conquer Paper Clutter Q&A

What’s the first step in tackling paper clutter?
Begin by gathering all your papers in one place. Empty all drawers, folders, and bins where papers have piled up.

How do I decide what to keep and what to toss?
Ask yourself, “Is it necessary?” Keep important documents like tax records, legal papers, and important receipts. Toss old, irrelevant papers.

What about sentimental papers like greeting cards and letters?
Scan or take photos of sentimental items to save digital memories. Keep a select few physical mementos, not everything.

How can I organize the papers I want to keep?
Categorize them into folders or binders with clear labels, like “Bills,” “Medical,” or “Home.” Use dividers for subcategories.

What’s the best way to deal with daily mail?
Designate a specific spot for incoming mail and sort it immediately. Trash junk mail, pay bills promptly, and file important documents.

What should I do with old newspapers and magazines?
Recycle newspapers. For magazines, keep only the latest issue and let go of the rest. You can find digital versions online.

How can I prevent future paper clutter?
Sign up for paperless billing and statements. Unsubscribe from unnecessary catalogs and magazines.

Any tips for maintaining an organized paper system?
Regularly review and purge your files. Set aside a specific time each week or month to deal with new papers.

What about important documents like passports and birth certificates?
Store these in a secure, fireproof box or a home safe. Make digital backups in case of emergencies.

How can I make this process more enjoyable and less overwhelming?
Play some favorite music, reward yourself after each session, and involve family members to make it a fun, group activity.

Remember, conquering paper clutter is an ongoing process. Stay consistent, and you’ll enjoy a clutter-free, organized space in no time! 🗂️📎🧹

Join me on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, DIYs, decorating tips, room tours, and home inspiration. I’ll see you over there!

 There you have it, a quick little Monday organizing!  Come back tomorrow for our last challenge and then we’ll finish the week with some Valentine’s Day-inspired posts. Okay?

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