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. I have a feeling “Love Your Space Challenges” aren’t going away forever… 😉 Speaking of challenges, I hope you were able to repurpose something this weekend, I would love to hear about it!
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.
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 a link of this long list!
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 #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:Â Organize a Junk Drawer
Love Your Space Challenge #19
Conquer Paper Clutter
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 excepting 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 I use to keep my kitchen counter, desk top, and dining table paper free, 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 slowing transitioning to reading magazines online. 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 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 doesn’t even come inside the house. For other items that just need a place to sit until used, read, or filed away, there is a basket right by the front door. (I go through my basket 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:Â Keep filing easily accessible. We have a crate of files stored in the garage but for the few important papers I need to file away weekly, I put in my “basket” file which is conveniently located in our front room. (By my pretty desk!)
Tip: If you have kids, let them pick a favorite story, drawing, project once a week/bi-weekly, 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 create a photo book at the end of the year.  She is full of great ideas!)
 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?
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says
Paper clutter is my biggest issue. I do open mail at the trash can, my real issue, FILING I hate it. So it goes in a basket until that is full, then I file. Sad I know.
Kathy says
Sounds like you got a handle on it Dawn! Filing is the worse, I’m much better at it now that my filing basket is just a few short steps away from the door. 😉
A Southern Gypsy says
I love getting rid of paper clutter….it feels liberating for sure! Great post 🙂
Kathy says
It does! I LOVE throwing things away but sometimes I go overboard. 😉
Stephanie says
I love your tips and tricks. As a SAHM, having a place for everything is important but I don’t want to sacrifice style to do so. I’m loving the clean looks as well.
Kathy says
Thanks for such a sweet compliment Stephani! Sounds like we are on the same page. 😉
Stephanie says
The baskets are a great idea. I try to set the day before I have to throw out the trash as the take care of paper clutter so things stay under control.
Kathy says
Great idea! Good habits like that make for a clean and happy home. Thanks for stopping by. 😉
Kimberly H. Smith says
I have to recycle my son’s endless drawings and projects from school when he’s not looking. If he sees one of them discarded, he gets so upset. Visiting from SGBC. Great challenge!
Kathy says
Mine do too Kimberly! I have a friend who used to nanny and would take pictures of all the kids drawings before they were thrown away and make a photo book for them at the end of the year. Isn’t that a cute idea?
Melissa says
I am over from Emily’s Baskets! She is a good friend of mine who has the most fabulous baskets for organizing!! LOVE baskets for organizing! Great tips too:) Now to look around……
Kathy says
So glad you came over Melissa! I just love our first basket from her, so pretty and sturdy.
Adrianne says
I Love it, it looks great! I am a basket ADDICT lately. I found a beautiful big one for the kids’ toys in the living room and it has made a huge difference. Taking the time to put every toy back in their rooms is a great idea in theory that never seems to happen in practice. Our clutter ends up being the day’s toys out all over. Now, the rule is put it in the basket and pick a new one out. I never would have thought allowing toys in more places could actually end up cleaner – I’m LOVING it.
Kathy says
Fantastic!! We literally have baskets in every room and closet! Anytime there is a problem with clutter (usually from the kids), it’s time to get another basket. lol Just bought one for school backpacks, shoes, and coats. (We have zero closets and no real entry in the main room.)
Yvonne says
Paper clutter is my worse problem. I have tried the baskets but now they are just over flowing. I so glad so many companies I deal with are going paperless. I think that is the only way I can conquer my problem
Kathy says
Going paperless has saved me Yvonne! I used to keep everything but I don’t even have to file away bills anymore I have overcome my magazine addiction. lol Good luck!