The trick to powering through PILES OF PAPER! (Get Paper Clutter under control today!)
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- Paper piles DON'T have to be scary! (Seriously!) I know how we build them up to be HORRIBLE, but if we break them down, we can get through them VERY QUICKLY! Let's work together today to tackle a few piles so you can see how easy it really is!
// PAPER CLUTTER Playlist // Clutter Free January //
• Paper Clutter Tips & O...
// CLOTHING Decluttering Playlist // Clutter Free January //
• Decluttering CLOTHING ...
// KITCHEN Decluttering Playlist // Clutter Free January //
• Clutter FREE Kitchen T...
R E L A T E D V I D E O S :
Why your current paper system isn't working (my weekly planning basket): • Solving Paper Clutter:...
Follow up to the Weekly Planning Basket Video with Q&A: • NO more piles of paper...
Setting up your file system (long term storage): • Setting up a Paper Clu...
C O U R S E :
Take Your House Back Course Details: takeyourhouseb...
P O P U L A R O N T H E B L O G R I G H T N O W :
Awesome Bundt Cake Recipes:
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Make a Bundt Cake Gift Basket with Printable Recipe Card:
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EASY & Cheap DIY Photo Canvas (Make this for under $5!):
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Transitioning baby from co-sleeping to crib:
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Bacon Guacamole Grilled Cheese:
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Self-Watering Herb Garden: cli.re/self-wa...
Best Remedy to Stop a Cold: cli.re/cold-re...
Minimalist Meal Planning with Printable: cli.re/meal-pl...
C U R R E N T L Y R E A D I N G :
"Get Your Life Back" by John Eldredge: amzn.to/32M6I4k
Favorite Decluttering Book "Decluttering at the Speed of Life" by Dana White (A Slob Comes Clean): amzn.to/3cgHSNh
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M O S T P O P U L A R O N O U R B L O G R I G H T N O W :
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Super Easy Peach Cobbler: cli.re/peach-c...
Transitioning baby from co-sleeping to crib: cli.re/co-slee...
DIY Self Watering Herb Garden: cli.re/self-wa...
BEST Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake: cli.re/chocola...
#minimalism #familyminimalism #minimalist
M O S T P O P U L A R V I D E O S R I G H T N O W :
57 Things We No Longer Buy: • 57 Things We Don't Buy...
How to Declutter WITHOUT Making a Mess: • How to Declutter WITHO...
FAVORITE Productivity Tip (ever!!): • How to create a "SUPER...
Eliminate Paper Clutter Video Part 1: • Eradicate Paper Clutte...
Organize Paper Clutter Video Part 2: • Simple Paper Clutter O...
THE TRICK TO SIMPLIFY YOUR KITCHEN QUICKLY: • Simplify your Kitchen ...
KITCHEN TOUR : • Minimalist Kitchen Tou...
MY MEAL PLANNING SYSTEM VIDEO : • Simple Meal Planning y...
📺 P O P U L A R R E L A T E D:
Why I became a Minimalist: • Why I became a minimal...
The Best Place to Start with Minimalism: • Best Place to start wi...
What to do when You get STUCK: • Decluttering Sentiment...
Video FAQ: • FAQ from Previous Vide...
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Royalty-free music used with permission from the RUclips Creator Studio, Epidemic Sound and purchased from AudioJungle.net
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Find the PAPER CLUTTER Playlist (Clutter Free January Series) here!
ruclips.net/p/PLZ-AWUEixtg3VZITHr2IKP0ehgdOfca5t
Thank probably again thank everyone lloppp
Love 💗 the game is fun 🤩 lpll
Thank you Dawn from Tennessee. Watching your inspirational videos literally changed my Life a few months ago.
I know myself and a lot of people love to put motivational music in the background while they declutter. Do you have such a music playlist for yourself ? If yes could you share it with us ?
Thanks !
How about the emotion from all the papers does it not weight you down??😖
@@Sherlock245 good point
I found a great and easy way to deal with receipts I need for taxes - if the receipt is not a standard 8.5 x 11 paper, I tape it to a sheet of paper then drop it in my tax file. Come tax time when I need to go through all of the receipts it is sooooo much easier to shift through papers that are all the same size then receipts of all different sizes, plus I don't lose any of the tiny receipts I get from places like the dentist. It can seem like an added step BUT when you need to find those receipts or go through and add them up it makes the process so much smoother and does help the tax file feel less cluttered.
@Rebecca Herman - THANK YOU for that great idea! I'm starting that one now.
Ooh. And I think If you can tape more than one to a sheet, you should keep like with like (for example: all dentist receipts on one or two sheets).
Genius! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
I staple them.
❤️❤️❤️ thanks for the tip.
Dawn - your "ALL" - "how many, actually" made me think of when someone says "what will people think/say?". I always ask "which people" - and the answer is usually those people whose opinions don't matter anyway!
Thank you for actually discussing your thought process for each item. It’s so much more helpful than watching a sped up frenzy with no discussion!
So true Mary!
Mary - I totally agree. I've tried and tried to find a system to help with my paper avalanches. With Dawn's slowed down/explaining/thinking process, I knoq I can overcome this issue! I will be so wonderful to be able to have more than one place to sit in the house!
I agree.
Thank you, Dawn! Can you please do a video on dealing with digital "clutter?"
That is a great idea! I really struggle with that.
Here are 2 links to digital clutter videos Dawn's done so far just in case you guys haven't seen 'em yet! I sure love this month's collab she's doing! I'm learning about so many other amazing minimal and organizing youtubers out there!! Dawn rocks! ruclips.net/video/XAm2211CyXc/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/YIqBOOV2hY4/видео.html
@@Islandtyme thank you!
OH YES!! And also email/computer clutter. I have over 5,000 emails in my inbox! On a “good” week I can get it “whittled down” to 3,800!😑😞. Just thinking about all my photos gives me the cold sweats
@@Islandtyme Thank you!!
I used this system to sort through years of paper. Very helpful. In 2020 I took 100 pounds of paper to my local office supply store for shredding!😳
@Jennifer Rohde - GOOD. FOR. YOU!
WOW, that's awesome 👍
Good for you. I probably have that much myself.
How did you get 100lbs inside!???
@@LB-ku6ry it took a few different trips in several bags and boxes. But soooo worth it.
My paper clutter is all memory box stuff! My sons are 25 and 18. I have every paper they ever touched, every certificate they earned and every program from every band performance or church musical and Christmas program they were in and lets not even talk about photos, they are in a whole other realm! I encourage young moms to not fall in that trap. It leads to guilt when it's time to get rid of it and guilt that I didn't do something with it when I thought it was so important to save it all of these years. My oldest son is now stuck in this sentimental trap with me but my 18 year old has a much healthier attitude. I wish I had heard the advise that if "everything is special, nothing is special" 25 years ago. Please keep giving your subscribers permisssion to let things go. I will keep watching for more encouragement as well.
I am right there with you. Especially with the guilt. My boys are 18 and 16. Where do you go from here? Did you let go? How?
@@carolynalthaus1772 I am working on it. I have totes filled that I am sorting. I plan to save the things that I most want to keep and let the boys go through it and give me permission to let the rest go. I expect my 25 year old to add his totes to the rest of his clutter (in my basement!) and my 18 year old will set himself and me free from the clutter that is his totes. I hope to end up with a "memory box" for each of my sons and one of things my husband and I have kept of our own memories as Dawn and Cass describe. I just wish I had curated them along the way not all at once! Better late than never. Besides, we didn't have the benefit of our RUclips friends, when our kids were little, to warn us of the toll "clutter" would take on our sanity. Hang in there. We'll get through it together. 😊
@@deannalambert2780 oh God I am the same. I have so much stuff and don’t know where to begin 😭 I have 3 kids
I just found your channel so I’m late to the paper party! 😆 I’m at a 10 and then some. I’m dealing with some of my Mom’s paperwork and she passed almost 12 years ago. I’m also handling my Grandfather’s papers and he passed almost 3 years ago. Of course I have my own papers to go through but I’m determined to get it all handled by the end of the year! Wish me luck and thank you for the motivation!
I once heard someone advise to never touch a piece of mail twice. I like this philosophy. Now when I open the bills that still come to the house (most are online), if I can't pay right away, I add the amount and due date into my phone's calendar with a reminder on the day to pay. Then I shred the paper immediately. Works like a charm!
Suspected for years there was a kitchen counter under the piles of papers. . . found it 😊 thank you
Paper clutter is my weakness! Piles everywhere. Thanks for the encouragement!!! ❤️
Dealing with paper clutter was on the worst areas I struggled with. Your tips over the years have definitely helped me ☺️🌻
Me too!!
Saaaame !
Same!
I was a personal trainer too! Small world! Great video as always.
6 minutes in & I stopped the video to get my 5 sticky notes labeled! Bright neon pink & exactly 5 sticky notes left in the pad! It’s a sign! Lol! I’m diving in TODAY! Thank you in advance for motivating me Dawn! ❤️🔆
I love that you admitted there can be a stack in the bedroom! That's so me. You are real and relatable.
My problem was always annoying receipts laying around on my desk or dresser. Now I stash them in an empty tissue box kept in a cabinet in case I need them and empty it out periodically. So receipts don’t lay around, they actually have a temporary “home”. 😊
Dawn I get SO EXCITED for your videos! They've helped change my life so much. I've had really bad anxiety, overwhelm,, and depression,, but the decluttering and minimalizing has helped so much.. Been subscribed since the beginning, when you were only about 10k subscribers, I remember telling you you'll have a million subscribers in no time! And look at you know 346k, wow 👏 great job! You're helping so many people!
since finding you I have a Sunday system and have gotten under condole with my files. I even cleaned out last years files and moved then into large envelopes labeled their destroy date and destroyed all the older files I didnt need. As paper comes in I open it near the Recycle bin to ditch the envelopes and junk. and nothing goes on my desk that can go in the bin. As a person who rebuilt our lives after a house fire I can tell you except for taxes, SS cards and birth certificates. everything is easy to replace. Lucky for me I keep copies of birth certificates wat my in laws house just incase. (and it came in handy after the house fire. Thanks for helping my family by helping me get paper under control.
I had a ton of paper clutter until about 2 months ago... I’m an artist and have SO many drawings. I put them into binders with 2 years worth of art in each binder! I put them in the clear plastic sleeves. It worked so well!
My husband “allows” me to assist him with decluttering paper from his office. I always see everything he creates on paper as having potential importance. Over the years I’ve figured out in a limited manner to discern throw away … or not. When he’s about to turn a corner with his work I pull him aside and with a bit of nudging together he and I declutter paper under his executive decisions. I think it’s growing on him. You know, the decluttering aspect of life and the moments of letting go with his- and my- sigh of relief.
I thought your title for your “Time will Tell” basket was loosie-goosie but it has really grown on me and fits perfectly for the items I throw into that file. Thanks for the repeated mention so I felt prompted to try 🤩
♥️♥️♥️ *So great to do this collab with you, Dawn! Loved your personal trainer story! It's so true. We speak in such absolutes and form our own reality that's often different than what is actually happening. Such great insight as always, Dawn!*
Before I saw this video I had purged, decluttered and then reorganized my files and file cabinet. Some items in there were without a home for 5+ years and were simply clutter. I didn't want to put them away in the file cabinet because it was too full. During this time I had moved 3 times and had lugged that junk around with me to each house. I had already pulled this year end stuff out for tax season so I was dealing with slightly less papers. I also had 3 cardboard storage boxes for files filled with taxes and important papers to keep long term in the garage as well. I managed to declutter half of the storage boxes, with enough room for this years taxes and maybe next as well in the second box. I purged enough paperwork out of my 4 drawer file cabinet and use only 2 drawers with part of the 3rd drawer used for hanging and regular file storage. Before the extra papers didn't have a home. I have a few loose papers that need homes still and a to do list I created from decluttering. I used my new label maker which was so great! Then I tackled and decluttered 2 large boxes filled with years of saved cards, letters and pictures. These 2 boxes had been in my living room since last Fall. I've been wanting to clean them out for months so I kept them in sight so as not to forget about the job for 6 months. I tossed 2 paper garbage bags and reduced my memory boxes to 2 small manageable shoe box size boxes. I thoroughly enjoyed going over those cards and memories, plus seeing pictures I'd forgotten. I found the birth announcement for my 37 year old niece that her Mother had sent me. She passed away when my niece was 3. So I sent the card to her so she'd have something of her Mother's. She was really grateful and appreciative and I was so happy to send it to her. It was a fun experience.
I recently spent 2 hours going through things and filing that I created a stack from when I was purging. some of it dated back to 2008, eek. It felt sooooo good to see the box go to the back of my closet nicely organized. Some of it was "I better save it....just in case".
You are not alone. I'm sure once I get started I will have papers that old too. Can't wait to complete this issue in my life. I hate Paper!
@@claudiarice8123 Me too, if there is an option for electronic payments, I do that. Save the trees! Good luck, you can do it!
Another category for me is flyers for local businesses and I museums and natural sites etc.... I know you can get all of that online or most of it, but sometimes I think, when I’m wondering where to go or want a new idea, or have visitors, it would be nice to show them and talk about…?!
Semi-related is one solution I have: I have one box/bin where I place flyers for a restaurant here (A kind of smallish cardboard box covered with pretty wrapping paper) with takeout or information for the month from local cultural institutions for example… Admittedly there’s less of that right now with lockdown, but that’s something that’s easy to reference and easy to clear out occasionally of expired information.
You were a personal trainer???!!! Why don’t we have absolutely any workout related content from you? Damn! You surprise me every day! That many layers is what I find most attractive about people! You’re amazing! 🤩
I needed this - I have 3 years worth to tackle. Essentially a box full of papers that I ignored and added to since my son was born and now that he's 3, I don't have any more excuses to not tackle it. I love the batch approach and do a bit every night in front of the tv and having small piles to quickly put away sounds acheivable and doesn't rob me of a full weekend day I would rather be doing other things. Thanks!
I'm a retired administrative secretary, so I don't dread filing. However, with aging, a serious auto accident, extended recovery, and ongoing health issues, my paperclutter rivals the most out of control viewer! Your system in this episode is sooo manageable! I commend you for this excellent post! Listen up, everyone! Blessings, Lyn
The idea that has helped me a lot is “do it now”. I sort my mail by the trash can. I make two piles. One shred. One is my Friday, Monday bin. And I take the two minutes it takes to do it right then. Either shred or file in bin. Thank you for all your great ideas.
I’m going to tackle paper clutter today. May the Lord be with me in my time of need. No, Really!
Me too, I need Jesus, I have 10 bankers boxes!
@@blessedmamags7796 - I have at least that many. Per Minimal Mom my paper piles are a 10!
@@alycewich4472 oh my.... Praying for all of us to succeed 😁🎉
OMG Joana Tucker! Me too!
I can relate because my paper clutter to have it cleared up would absolutely change my life and the life of my three dogs. 😔
Dawn, I was drowning in papers (a 10 plus), but I think I can safely say that has been whittled down to about 5 or 6 now (after 3 very long months)! My 'Revolving File' is the same as your 'Time will Tell' file. Mine contains phone books, lots of new seed and garden supply catalogues (most have great information in them). When I get a new phone book or a catalogue (from a favourite company), I then discard the old one! I've also been decluttering my kitchen and giving tons of dishes away. I'm finding some breathing room again! YAY! Thank you!
Such a great idea and really reduces stress in your life if you're not surrounded by menacing piles of who-knows-what.
I really need this kind of reminder to just get started with a little bit at a time. I tend to look at the whole project instead of manageable small steps. ❤
You’ve helped me so much Dawn. It’s like you know me...in the past three years I’ve gone from fear loathing and dread of paper to being the boss of paper ! I decided I would rather master it then live in fear. There have been a few times when I thank God I opened the mail immediately !! And that I had that important paper filed and knew where to find it. And that I had all the bills paid. The peace and control is worth the effort. Thank-you !
I just got through several trays of paper clutter!! I am now eyeing the bookshelf that they were sitting on and thinking "I could remove that bookshelf altogether" and make my house entry much more clear and beautiful. Won't be long before I get it done. Thanks for your wonderful encouragement. P.S. I absolutely adore your tops. I enjoy your attention to modesty and sleeves. 99% of the tops in the shops are immodest and sleeveless so I enjoy seeing yours. Cheerio from downunder!
I’m enjoying all the January decluttering videos but have to say yours are the simplest, calmest, most helpful ideas of all. Thank you.
Hi Dawn.
Mail comes in,envelopes and junk mail goes in the trash. Bills are paid and mailed right away. Paid bills go into a pile and filed at the end of the week. When the next bills arrive the old ones go into the trash.Any important papers are filed.(insurance,car repair receipts, etc) I used to have tons of papers all over the kitchen table but no more. Of course being retired has made it a lot easier. We know exactly what bills are coming in when , approximately how much they will be and when they need to be mailed out. Helps with budgeting and saving. You are on the right track. Keep up the good work! Love your channel!
I am “late” to watching this video but really it is perfect timing! My in-laws have moved to an apartment near to my husband and I and we are very thankful. It’s a very long time coming. With that we are cleaning out their house. This month they will be married 55 years and have lived in their house for almost 40 years! My in-laws throw away nothing (insert sad face.) I am going through boxes of papers dated back to the early 70’s and earlier if you want to count birth records. I am a patient person and I am glad to have this playlist running while I sit here to tackle these piles. The good news is that I can really see that my piles are no that bad and that a working system is what is most most important from here on out. I’m so thankful for this channel! Happy shredding!
To separate Reference and To-Do papers is a really good idea. It has never occured to me before, but now I agree that's a brilliant way to deal with the paper clutter and helps a lot with the decision making.
This works! I went from 10 xerox boxes of papers to 1 file drawer. I put a box, a trash bag, a smaller to file box, and a take action folder by the chair I sit in when I watch TV, so it was handy when I was ready. After I finished one, I put the next one by the chair. Each day that I had the time and energy, I completed one or part of a box. It was amazing how many things i was keeping that I didn't really need to. I used the tips from your other video and thought "Do I need this?" and "Can I get this information electronically?". i'm one of those that has to go through every single paper before throwing it away. But it didn't take as long as I thought it would with your process. Paper clutter has been weighing on me for years! I was always unnerved wondering what important things were in my boxes that I wasn't attending to. I'm finally feel free! I know what is in my file drawer and what is in my small to do folder. In the process of doing this, I also got all of my bills squared away and my retirement accounts consolidated! What a relief! Thank you!
I’m so glad you talked about old paper clutter not just a new system. So many talk as if you’re starting from zero with a system.
I began the journey of scanning years of archived paper years ago. It was life changing. I am able to easily locate old documents on any phone/computer without any effort (a lot of thought went into the folder structure). I scanned paper for about an hour or two a night for a year and it was absolutely worth it.
This works! I've been using the method for some years now. Extra tip: divide the "to file" section into two. One is "a box or ring binder already exists for this" and the other is "I need to create a box or binder for this". Every paper needs a " home" where it can stay. With this method you can find out if there is a "home" for your papers. Because that is the problem that needs to be solved first.
I just found you here in youtube. I’m sure this makes me sound like a sad person, but I just want you to know that I appreciate that you always say “I love you” at the end of your videos. For me- this process is VERY emotional. It just gives me a warm fuzzy and makes me feel more confident about continuing. So, thank you!
I scan important documents, and my son's drawings. I get rid of the documents, and store my son's stuff in a plastic bin from Sam's Club. I have the digital back up if something were to happen to the originals, and they are uploaded to Shutting. Takes more time, but I have that assurance that it's there if I need it.
I would probably put myself at a 4. I’ve gotten paper whittled down, but it just. Keeps. Coming. In! Thank you for this encouragement!
Thank you. even though i culled some last year, i did not truly finish it. as usual as you get older, it seems like the more paper you deal with. ugh. mine is medical. even getting it in the mail gives me heart palpitations. i dont get much junk mail since i did directmail. i dont get 99 % of junk mail or credit card or catalogs. amen. im down to 1/2 drawer. it use to be 3.
I so appreciate your idea of “attack one stack at a time” and will be doing this each night till it’s all gone… gonna be a while, but 5 minutes matters! Thank you!
I just finished going through all my boxes of paper. It took days because I hadn't gone through it all in a decade! Although I need to do some additional organization, after sorting keep, recycle, and burn I was able to empty about 8 boxes, some of which have been moved 3 times and were mostly unneeded! We are buying our first house and moving in February so I'm trying to minimize before packing and moving unnecessary things. I've been watching your channel since Thanksgiving and you are helping to motivate me that I can do this thing that feels impossible - simplify! Thank you.
I really like the way you segway into your lesson using a story first. It really gets your attention. Well done, Dawn. You've won me over.
I enjoyed seeing you in a different spot , with those pretty pictures behind you on the dining room wall 😄
Hi Dawn and community! I don’t have any issues with paper. Now, before you start hitting reply and hate, lol, hang on a minute. Just wanted to say that I love this group of women so much. Dawn, Cas, and Dana, you three are such fun to watch! You’re encouraging and helpful. And even though I don’t have any issues with paper clutter (I throw junk mail out as it comes in the door😉), I will be watching every single video in the playlist! Happily so🥳
Love the idea of everyone making videos on the same subjects. We viewers get different perspectives and ideas. Thank you ladies, ALL of you🥰
Thank you! Paper clutter has been my nemesis for most of my adult life. I hate it. A lot of my paper clutter comes from what you call the "reference" pile. Things I don't really have to do anything about, but I don't think they should be thrown out at the moment. It's so stupid simple to get a pretty basket, and each time I go through my paper piles, take a look through that basket and get rid of what's no longer needed (but never let it get above the rim of the basket--because I totally would do that too--lol). And it's in a pretty basket! Not an ugly, intimidating pile. I'm going to check out your videos to see if you have a better filing system than I do. That's the second most painful aspect: trying to figure out where to file things so that I don't have individual files for every single piece of paper. Feelin' decluttery today! Woot woot!
This is so helpful, I have a system similar to this, but I love yours better. I have years upon years of papers in large trash bags. and boxes that I recently transferred from my bedroom to the basement, my papers are out of control. I know my life has been busy, but this really a mess. I am now home at this time caring for my adult daughter who has special needs, and now it's time to get decades of paper in order, and it brings me almost to tears to think about getting started. I have so much, and I just want to be freed from this, every time I get my head together to get started something always get in the way, need help for my situation, but know I will eventually get through it.
I’m a “use it or lose it” type person so I started a simple scrapbook for the photo holiday card that I send out to family and friends. It’s stored with my decor so every year we go through the pages of our old holiday cards and tape in this year’s card. The scrapbook is stored open on display during the holidays and then gets packed up with everything else when Christmas is over. For me, it honors the memories, time and effort that I put into making the card and sharing it with friends.
I had a friend call me yesterday because she just found my sympathy card in a large pile her husband kept while she was in the Philippines for her mother's funeral last year. We are not real close and I didn't expect a response but watching this just showed me how things can be missed that might seem important. It was important enough to her.
Omg. My paper clutter mess is like an 11/10. I have piles of piles. I call it my organized chaos because I sort into new piles, but then most of the time don't know what to do with those piles. Thank you for your positivity and inspiration. I will now attack them 1 pile at a time, until complete.
We retired then moved into a cute but small condo. Now...2 adult children joined us in their life transitions I moved 7 - 10 tote boxes (!🕶️) of papers that I thought were so important. One stack at a time. :-) - thanks Dawn.
You are changing my life, lady! I’m about a month into watching your videos and it only takes me about an hour to clean my six person house now! Getting a handle on paper clutter has been such a source of peace for me. Keep the great ideas coming.
I'm a 1 on paper. Took me awhile to find the best way to deal with it but now it gets dealt immediately. It's so worth it.
I have a SUNDAY BASKET.... but I'm very horrible about getting things done with paper... I"M TOTALLY GONNA TRY THIS! THANKS DAWN
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY! :)🤩
Powering through my paper clutter was by far the most rewarding project. WOW! it’s not like i was drowning in paper, but it sure was driving me crazy!
Dawn! I know I don't know you personally, but you have no idea how much you have impacted me and my (and my families) lifestyle. You helped me gain back so much time, and as fast as kids grow up we know how fast time goes.. The school papers, the art projects, the bills.. The things we NEED later.. or never need.. Paper clutter is my worst enemy! BUT.. you made this so much easier to sort> I wish I could send you before and after pictures, and an giant hug!
We just lost our 91 year old dad last month and now my brother and I are making sure my mom is ok. We tag team a couple hours a.m. and p.m to make sure she eats, etc.
A suggestion if possible... do this for a parent while they are still alive so they can answer questions. I'm on that task now filing her many bank accounts, properties, insurance, etc. She feels really relived! She had very neat piles but they need to be in the cabinet. It made sense in her brain 😎
I'll give her credit though. Her long term filing was impeccable. When he passed, she knew exactly where the burial info was that they had purchased over 40 years ago! Now I'll work on my own stuff! Thanks
With u, cas, & Dana, I m currently tackling paper piles just 5 minutes a day.... & realising the importance of “ how many is ALL.”... thanks to u three lovely guides
This topic is truly the bane of my existence! I NEED to deal with this!
I just did this with PILES and in under an hour it's all open, tossed and categorized. I'm so MOTIVATED.
Hi Dawn!!! Thank You I needed this been enjoying your paper clutter series. My paper pile goes way back maybe 20 years plus years all in a 4 drawer cabinet.😬 But I got this taking it one day at a time.👍
So does mine after my daughter got a head injury and we had to deal with bills, insurance and then disability for social security...mercy the paperwork...I have been going thru it very slowly...
@808Blessed1 - That's my plan also. If I look at the mountain, I get discouraged. But if I take it one step (or pile) at a time, it will get done!
@@alycewich4472 No Worries we got this!!👍
@@rondap.328 I feel your pain. Auto accident 10 years ago and I still sometimes need info from some of that paperwork. Trying to sort a file drawer full.
I love this series. Thank you for continuing to produce life changing free content! ❤️
I just finished shredding old tax forms older than 7 years. Shredded old CC statements, medical reports, financial statements, etc. Wonderful feeling, it took 4 days to do intermittently. It was so much.
I'm at around 20 Dawn. Paper has always been my nemesis. Have cleaned it all out totally over the decades and will even process it all as it comes in for a while, but then let it creep back up.
I randomly came across your videos last week. I have been wrestling with so much anxiety and overwhelm because of clutter and disorganization as of late. After watching JUST 5 of your videos, I have regained control of my kitchen, guest bathroom, and our closets! We rid our kitchen of unused appliances, 11 coffee mugs, and SO MANY STORAGE CONTAINERS! You have truly presented the information in an easy to tackle and realistic way. I am so thankful for you and how you've shared tidbits that have worked for you so that I can find ways to manage my home more efficiently! THank you again! I can't wait to tackle paper piles this weekend!! Eeeek!
Thank you! I’m at a 10! We had a room that we filled with boxes (mostly paper) 6 years ago when we moved into the house.
Fast forward to the 2020 Pandemic when we transitioned to working from home. We needed that room for an office and my in-laws needed a bed, so we gave our bed away and moved the boxes into our bedroom.
Now we’re living in the guest bedroom. We took a week off at Thanksgiving and a week off at new year’s in hopes of conquering our clutter and only spent a total of about 1 1/2 days each time.
We filled 6 bags with papers that we shredded and gave that to my in-laws for starting fires in their wood stove, but now my living room has a pile of 20 boxes of my “memory” items to sort through.
We can see the floor in our bedroom, but there’s still not enough room for putting a bed in there. I need systems!
Thank you for this video. I read Marie Kondo’s book in 2015 when I was in-between jobs, but then in 2016 I got a full time job and have not made progress since.
I need all the encouragement I can get. I’d really love a hand.
Do you recommend doing everything yourself or hiring help or asking friends or family to join you for moral support? At this rate I might finish in a decade. I feel like I’m drowning.
i love the time will tell bin!!!!! thank you
After years of being awful at paper I can confidently say that I’m a number 1 now. I think a really helpful video (because it’s the thing that helped me most) would be on how to stop paper coming INTO the house! All my bills are paid by direct debit (I think that’s autopay in the US??), so I never ever have a bill through the door, I’ve unsubscribed from all catalogues etc. In the UK you can opt out of junk mail which is a massive help. The school don’t send letters anymore it’s all done electronically. Retailers offer to email you receipts instead of paper copies. All of this reduces the amount I have to deal with in the first place. I have a box by the front door which is for recycling, so I open my Mail at the door and envelopes, and other stuff I don’t need to keep goes straight there so it never makes it past my front entrance.
You should see all the things I've been pulling out of my house! These videos, old and new, have been super motivating for me. Now that we're empty nesters and newly retired, there are tons of items I DO NOT NEED any longer. Thank you for going trough all of the emotions and things we tell ourselves to flush out the irrational reasons for hanging on to items. My is looking and feeling clean, clear, and under control. THANK YOU DAWN... and Diana! I love your sense of organization and your faith!
I asked about Paper Clutter in comments on the TO DO LIST video and then Wa-La!! I found this! I watched while working on my piles, UGH 🤦♀️! I say I’m at a 6/7 and working it down. One of the downsides of making a do
Action to an organization is the mail you get each and every month following that do
Action. It’s out of control! So I am going through the same mail all the time. That makes another task either going online to “unsubscribe “ or writing a letter to that effect. Both requiring additional time one should not need to spend doing. Modern dilemma. That’s for all your tips, very very helpful!!!
Loving this system! I have been
S-L-O-W-L-Y getting my paper stacks organized using something similar, but think I will switch to this. I am hoping to get it down to 1 small filing cabinet drawer. I have managed to purge probably 3 bags of paper from my house, 4 including the bag of shredding, in the past 4 months. Like I said, slowly! LOL! But, overall, progress has been made and there is definitely less paperwork about the place. Now to get my roommate on board with hers!
I HATE PAPER!! I've homeschooled my 12 children for 26 years! Paper has been such a problem. I'm going to try this with my immediate paper pile in my dining room. I'm so ready for a solution. Thanks Dawn!
All the little piles or projects add up. I love your realness Dawn. You have the unmailed mail and the seed catalogs all in one place...just like a real honest to goodness stack of papers.
My Achilles is homemade scratch pads that I use for work that end up in all sorts of places and actually putting work away on Fridays which if I’m honest is great. My complaint is that I have a job, and when COVID-19 hit I was encouraged to leave the office and work full time from home. I know this is quite the stretch from clutter to gratitude but it’s what I have. Now let’s talk seeds and spring.
Thank you to all involved in this collab The Dream Team!!!! Minimal Mom, Clutterbug, Nourishing Minimalism, and others!!!!! You guys rock!!!
I tackled & won paper clutter years ago after finding a big trash bag of mail my mother had in our pantry closet (her way of dealing with mail!). I went through it, handling each piece (found a check for $75!) & vowed NEVER to allow that to happen again! I still watch videos like this for new tips & have discovered I already have a "time will tell" basket & didn't know it! 😁
I like the visual of your sorting the piles of paper and walking through your papers. Really helped me put my thoughts together and understand the process better. Thank you.
I have a class of papers that linger: mail for other people. I've lived in my house for a year, and in that time I've probably received 200 items of mail for 7 or 8 people who no longer live here. My home is near a university and I imagine lots of student roommates lived here in the past. I tend to let it pile up because it's hard to decide what to return (might be important, e.g. tax documents) and what to toss into my shred box or recycle bin (e.g. credit card offers or obvious junk mail.)
This is a great starter for paper clutter. Divide and conquer!
I'm definitely at like 10!! 🤣😭 I was dreading this part of decluttering but I sooo needed it!
All I do when I go to the mail box is I come in through my garage door and I have a trash bag in there, and anything I do not want I put in the trash at that time, and then bring the rest in. I open up everything and immediately put it directly where it needs to go. I am luck that I rarely have papers laying around. Some stuff I naturally leave for my wife (Medical Bills) for her to go through because she is much better at understanding them than I am. And after she is done with them, I file everything away. I used to be terrible about having papers laying around, but I think I finally have a handle on it. Thank you Dawn for all you do, I love watching your videos and I love your laugh.
These Clutter Free January videos are like gold! I look forward to them each week and am so encouraged as I continue to declutter. Thanks so much to all the collaborators who took time to share your process and wisdom. Such a blessing.💖
I just got rid of 2 black bags of paper clutter and for the first time I files all of our paperwork!!! 13 years together and 4. Kids after I feel like I’m on top of my household duties! Thank you
Paperwork, YIKES! I have so much paperwork it’s frightening. I’ve spend the past four days shredding paperwork that dates back as far as 1998. That’s not a typo. Back in the day all of the bills came to your house and you paid them by checks. Once a month you received your bank statement in the mail that included your canceled checks. 😩 All of this paperwork ended up getting put in boxes and shoved to the back of our closet that was used mainly for this purpose. I honestly thought I was going to break down and cry yesterday because it was day four and it felt like there was no end in sight. I basically told myself to suck it up and just get it done. After a minimum of a dozen kitchen trash bags full of shredded paper during my four day shred fest I’m seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I have two more boxes to go but they should go pretty quickly. The great news is that all of the years of paperwork that I have to hold onto has a lot less paper in them than years gone by because of how much is done online these days. Banks haven’t sent canceled checks back to customers in probably a decade, because they can be viewed online, same with statements, bills, pay checks, and other documents. I have freed up seven boxes that I can now use for items that I plan to donate. 🎉 I truly think the hardest part of my decluttering adventure is behind me. I feel like a huge burden has been taken off of me. I’m going to implement your idea that you shared in this video for future paperwork that I need to go through to keep it under control. Thanks Dawn!!!
Oh my gosh! LOVE! This was SO SIMPLE AND EASY! THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES! This is very similar to the GTD system but broken down and simplified so much. AWESOME! Your "Time Will Tell" bin is just like the percolator.
What helped me - since I hate doing paper - was back in the 90's, I started throwing away the envelopes, junk mail, and other potential distractions and clutter at the post office right when I got my mail from my po box. The paper piles were left in the trash at the post office, so they never entered my home. This solved about 99% of my paper problems and stopped the stacks.
Dawn I am so glad I found your channel. I have a huge amount of paper clutter. In excess of 4 boxes- years of stuff taken from house to house. I've always felt too overwhelmed to deal with it. Now I do five, fifteen or whatever, depending on the time or energy I have!!! God bless you!💕🌺
Thank you so much for this, I thought I was the only one who had never-ending problems with papers. So many times, I have felt overwhelmed by it all, especially after moving last year.
In the past 4 years, I went from out of control (2 laundry baskets FULL of paper clutter) to a few pieces per week. I use the Sunday Basket system from Organize 365 and it has truly transformed my life. no more anxiety when I go to the mail box. No anxiety regarding where to find something I need.
I'd move the seed catalog to the action pile! I found a lot of stuff already sold out.. just giving you a heads up if you are gardening this spring.
Right?? Everything is selling out quick this year!
So true!
I'm a little late to join in the conversation, but I agree about moving the catalogue...if it were me, I'd likely be "ordering" seed the following December when its time to review and toss unused/unecessary/forgotten items, because that catalogue would STILL be there lol! Partly age, partly my ADHD brain, and maybe I missed it (?) but WHEN would one ostensibly be retrieving an item of that nature? ....it occurs to me that some people must be able to rely on their memory to realize the brain has a few spare moments, and apparantly instantly produce their mental list of things they want to do with that time, and be able to retrieve the catalogue and proceed with selecting and ordering items...ALLL without being distracted and forgetting the goal...lol, I laugh but its no exaggeration to admit at times the simple act of getting up, intending to do something (like catalogue shopping), has been enough "distraction" (??) for me to forget why I was getting up, more often than I'd care to admit...(OR remember??? lol I AM jk there, and it isn't always THAT bad, but....), long story shor...well, long (eeps!)...Did I miss a step insofar as returning to reference box/bin/file for follow up throughout the year? ...I don't want to miss any helpful stuff, I'm LOVING a woman who makes PAPER "to do" lists, has several of them bandying about the house and voiced what are apparantly shared "fears" about even getting started on the paper clutter tackle, as if she was living in my head! I watched 4 or 5 videos supposedly on the same topic before I got to this one, ALL of which were shockingly uninformative, so am super stoked to subscribe and see what other adventures Dawn will take us on over the journey to a sane home! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!
After finding you last fall I now have my paper clutter at a 8.5 and heading to a 10. Great advice that really does work! Also dealing with the mail as it comes is has been the key game changer to keeping paper under control!
Agree
My scale is above 10 lol. I had a hectic period of time where everything was out of control. I'm now slowly digging my way out. It's so overwhelming but I just keep asking myself "how do you eat an elephant?" and working at it one bite at a time.
@nrdy grl - My mantra also!
Me too! 😊
I'm having nightmares with paper piles! But this is a great place to start. Thank you for the tips!
I can totally see that working for me! It's one of those things that I know needs to happen, but seeing it done and knowing others are also in that boat is such a huge motivator! The natural procrastinator in me is loving the idea of a time will tell bin. 😄 Thank you!