Several weeks ago I wrote about setting up paper systems that work for you. I’m going to expound on that a little bit this month and this week, I’m going to talk about inboxes. One of the things that greatly simplifies my life is having ONE inbox. I have all my email accounts going to gmail (all 6 accounts), one inbox for all my paper (it gets HUGE), etc.
Every week, I try to process all my inboxes at least once so that none of them take an inordinate amount of time. Here are some things that I consider “inboxes” or things that would make life easier if I dealt with them [at least] once a week.
- voicemails
- cameras (photos/videos)
- social media
- physical inbox
But before you can process everything, you need to condense things down into as few inboxes as possible. Where are your clutter spots?
- Kid’s backpacks
- Diaper bag
- Purse
- Counter or Table
- Bedside table
- Dresser
- Bathroom
- Bookshelf
Think about the areas where paper usually collects. Why are they there? Can you make a habit to always empty <insert item here> in your inbox? Do these things land there because you need to deal with them? Put them in your inbox. Is it because it’s a project you are working on? Make a home for current projects. Is it because you need to do something with it–soon? Well, we will deal with those in the weekly review next week :).
For this week, try to put ALL your paper in one spot. Then forget about it. You will go through it during your weekly review.
Where are your paper clutter nightmares?
This post will be linked to Works For Me Wednesday @ We are THAT Family.