When you set down a stack of papers, it’s so easy to add to it. Before you know it, your stack has gotten so big that it feels overwhelming to go through.
Often times, we let our paperwork pile up because we don’t have time to put it away “correctly.” That’s why having a simple system in place can prevent you from ending up with random piles.
I am going to walk you step-by-step through how this system works so you can start implementing it right away. Let’s get started!
- Prepare your space. Decide where you are going to sort your paperwork at. You can use your desk, your table, or your bed. Whatever space you decide to use, make sure that it’s clean and tidy so that you can put your full focus on your paperwork.
- Get the items you need. Go grab the stack of paperwork that needs sorted, four pieces of blank paper, and something to write with.
- Write out your categories. You are going to write down a category on each one of your blank papers. Write down URGENT on the first one, MAYBE on the second one, FILE on the third one, and GARBAGE on the fourth one.
- Space out your categories. Space out your four pieces of paper (with the categories written on them) so that there is enough room to make a stack of papers next to each one of them.
- Start sorting. If you need to take action with a piece of paper, put it in the urgent pile. If it’s something that needs filed or put in the garbage, put it in those categories. If it doesn’t belong in the other categories, put in in the maybe pile.
- Designate areas for this system. You can do this wherever it works best for you. You can use baskets, drawers, or anything else that is convenient for you, as long as it’s in an area that it will actually be used.
If you’re a perfectionist like me, it might feel like you’re just shuffling papers around. But once you experience it, you will find that it works better than you thought.
I hope this helps you feel less overwhelmed about your paperwork and was easy to follow.
If you have any questions or want to celebrate your wins, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you! 🙂