How to Organize Paper Clutter with a “Not Right Now Basket”
Drowning in paper clutter? Today I’m sharing how to organize paper clutter with a “not right now” basket.
Paper clutter is my arch nemesis. It used to be everywhere. I tried so many different systems to manage it, but they all fell short. Until I learned how to organize paper clutter with a “not right now” basket.
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Paper clutter is more than just a visual nuisance; it has tangible effects on our mental well-being and productivity. Studies have shown that cluttered environments can lead to increased stress levels, reduced focus, and decreased efficiency. For instance, research from UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families found that women who described their homes as cluttered had higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, throughout the day.
Moreover, a cluttered workspace can impede productivity. Excessive papers and disorganization can overwhelm our cognitive resources, making it challenging to concentrate on tasks. A study highlighted by Science Times indicates that extreme clutter can cause a loss in productivity due to the brain’s difficulty in focusing amidst excessive stimuli.
By learning how to organize paper clutter effectively, you can create a more serene and efficient living space, reducing stress and enhancing your overall quality of life.
What is a “not right now basket”, and how to organize paper clutter with one.
Being totally transparent, the basket does nothing but contain the paper you’re not ready to part with. YOU banish the paper clutter. 😉 BUT having this system in place has been exactly what I needed to stick with sorting the mail immediately as it comes in. The idea is simple…
- Separate the mail into 3 categories, Important (think bills, RSVPs, appointment reminders, etc.) Trash or Recycling, and “not right now”. Not right now mail can be anything from sales flyers, magazines, newsletters, etc. I also throw in any paint samples, or kids projects that I want to put in their sentimental boxes.
- Place the important mail in a basket or your planner, wherever you’ll see it and address it as soon as it’s needed.
- IMMEDIATELY throw away or recycle anything you know you don’t want or need.
- Everything else goes in the “not right now” basket.
I like to go through my not right now basket at least once a week. I totally empty it, and purge whatever I haven’t gone through. For example, sales flyers that have expired, coupons that aren’t good anymore, and magazines I’m no longer interested in.
…but what about the paper all over my house?
You may be thinking, “great…but what about the mail that’s already everywhere all over my whole house?!” I applied the same rules to the paper clutter that was already all over our home. I separated it into three piles, important, recycle, and not right now. Either file or address the important things immediately, trash the items you know you don’t need or want, and save VERY LITTLE for your not right now basket. (If it’s been sitting around your house for a while and you haven’t gone through it, there’s a good chance you won’t just because it’s in a basket. 😉 )
By implementing this very simple idea we have seriously banished the paper clutter that once plagued our home. We all know where the mail goes, and exactly where the magazine is we desperately wanted to look through. It has really been such a huge sanity saver.
Baskets to Banish Clutter
- Fabric Letter Tray
- White Wood Paper Tray
- Wooden Monitor Stand
- Studio McGee Basket Tray
- Y-Weave Basket
Troubleshooting Common Paper Clutter Problems
Even with the best intentions, tackling paper clutter can feel overwhelming. Here are solutions to some of the most common struggles people face when learning how to organize paper clutter:
1. “What if I have sentimental papers I can’t throw away?”
It’s natural to feel attached to old cards, letters, or children’s artwork. However, holding on to too much can create clutter.
Solution:
- Set a limit: Use a memory box or folder with a set space. If it doesn’t fit, decide what’s most meaningful.
- Digitize it: Scan special items and save them in a digital folder. You can enjoy them without the physical clutter.
- Rotate display items: Frame or hang favorites for a season, then store or replace them.
2. “How do I keep paper from piling up every day?”
Daily mail, school papers, and receipts can quickly undo your hard work.
Solution:
- Adopt a one-touch rule: Handle papers immediately—shred, recycle, file, or act on them.
- Set up a paper station: Use labeled trays or folders for “To Pay,” “To File,” and “To Do.” Review it weekly.
- Opt for digital solutions: Sign up for e-statements and digital bills to reduce incoming paper.
3. “I don’t know what to do with junk mail.”
Junk mail piles up fast and feels endless.
Solution:
- Stop it at the source: Opt out of catalogs and credit card offers using services like DMAchoice.org or OptOutPrescreen.com.
- Keep a recycling bin near the door: Toss junk mail before it enters your living space.
- Open mail over the trash or recycling bin to eliminate clutter immediately.
4. “What if I don’t have time to organize paperwork?”
Busy days make it easy for paper clutter to snowball.
Solution:
- Break it into small steps: Spend 5-10 minutes a day sorting one pile or one area.
- Use a “Not Right Now Basket”: Place papers that can wait in a designated basket to deal with later. Schedule time weekly to clear it out.
- Prioritize your most critical papers first, like bills or time-sensitive items.
5. “What if I don’t know how long to keep certain documents?”
Uncertainty leads to over-keeping papers out of fear.
Solution:
- Create a document retention guide: Keep important papers like tax records for 7 years, but shred receipts and statements after their purpose is served.
- Use a binder or file box: Organize key documents (insurance, medical records, warranties) in labeled folders for easy access.
By addressing these common paper clutter struggles, you’ll feel more confident and in control of your home. Remember, the key to success is to take it one step at a time—and celebrate your progress along the way!
I’d love to know if you have a system for keeping paper clutter at bay…make sure to comment and tell me below!
As always thanks
much for spending a tiny part of your day with me!
