Home Office Paper
There is no doubt about it. Keeping on top of the paper pile in your office can be overwhelming. Probably just reading this brings you up short if you are caught in the grips of it.
Take a deep breath, exhale completely and move forward. It is not as daunting as it might appear. Feels like it, looks like it but there are a few short steps to fixing it.
This blog will focus on your new arrivals first. In 2 weeks I will give you tips for dealing with older items. For now this is dealing with the current paper that comes in.
Step 1
Get a supply of folders and labels. Also purchase a stand-up file. Make labels for each item you receive, eg. phone, visa, cable, dept store bills etc. (one folder for each). Take your current bills, open them, and recycle the envelopes and any advertising within. Put the bill and/or receipt in the corresponding folder.
Step 2
Decision time…arrange to have your bills sent and paid for online. This is the most efficient way to eliminate the paper pile. If that isn’t comfortable decide immediately upon receipt of that bill what to do with it. Piles of paper are small procrastinations. Take the time every day to deal with what comes into your office or across your desk. Train yourself to pay the bill immediately upon its arrival.
Step 3
Put the stand-up file on your desk. Place these folders that you have labeled with your bills/receipts in them into the stand-up file. They are visually available to access them quickly.
You are now ready…receive a bill…open, recycle envelope and enclosed ads….pay bill…mark the date you paid it…put paid bill in file on your desk.
Once you set up this system it will take you less than 2 minutes to complete the ‘bill paying’ task.
Tip
If you have a home based business send invoices by email. Eliminate the use of envelopes and stamps.
In preparation for next time do a bit of research, nope, don’t purchase a thing! Just be aware of what is available in your local dollar store or stationary store for stackable boxes.
