I wouldn't recommend putting the "in" box in a drawer because of the out of sight, out of mind mentality (which I tend to have), there are some nice hanging file organizers that could be hung by your lap top. You're doing a great job!!!!!
I have saved some of my cards from the past and keep them in a pretty box in my nightstand. I use them as bookmarks. For each new book I pick a different one. Some cards, f.eks. are from my mom, who is not with us anymore. This makes me happy
I started organizing my home last year after watching the show Tiding Up during our Christmas Break. I loosely followed Marie Condo's method and I must say paper was the 2nd worse category (after sentiment - which includes pictures, that I am STILL working on). Like you mentioned I continued to find paper everywhere. I have since gone through my house twice (other than the photos) and wouldn't be surprised if there was another box of paper waiting for me. Now I have a really simple paper method similar to the Minimal Mom's. You are doing a wonderful job! I would recommend when you have gone through everything (like everything) to go back again and you will be surprised at the things you kept and will then get rid of even more. I have gone through paper several times and still manage to declutter more each time. I look forward to your videos and cheer you on from afar! You got this!!
Also- I've learned to bring in mail and immediately recycle junk, plus switched to electronic everything to cut down on mailings from financial institutions. Also , when I get an unasked-for catalog, I email them and tell them to take me off the list for mailings. So far I have reduced the mail by about 50% from years ago.
Yes, I was drowning in catalogs a few years back and just took a Saturday and contacted them all and asked to be taken off their list. My biggest problem now is that the mail person has to read the address so quickly that he/she mistakes Miller/Muller and apartment numbers. I switched to electronic, too.
My dear Erica ~ You are so awesome. I watched this video when it first aired, I've watched SO many paper declutter videos since then! This really is the best...BECAUSE your 'backlog' looked much like mine still does. You are REAL. I DID go through 17 years of 'backlog', and have greatly reduced it...but still have a way to go. I have found it unsatisfying when I see other Tubers with a handful of papers to sort and lay flat in their pretty desk drawer. Kind of like someone who says they are doing a craft room declutter and they have a desk with markers, some post-its, and three sketch books. When I go to face my papers, THIS video is the one that sticks with me. It's work, people! Thank you, Erica!
My husband's prior wife got a credit card application offer at OUR address -- that she had NEVER lived at! After they'd been divorced for 18 years! Scary.
I usually like those very aesthetic looking videos and but as I have been watching your videos I just realized that there is SOMETHING really fascinating about your way of filmin and editing. Usually there is (and it's funny how you have just written about it on your information) crazy background music but the way you speak, your voice and how smart your words are... is really captivating! You are so true to yourself and honest I love it! It makes me so relaxed. Thank You!
Declutter papers and sentimental stuff are the hardest steps into a minimalist -or simplified- way of life. You have done it very well. I do not know if it is rigth to recieve a warm praise from a woman (I am too), we do not have any problem about that in my country and culture and I would not want to be missundestood, but let me tell you that you look great. Has anyone notice that her face look more relaxed and happier than months ago? That's the real magic! Congratulations from Spain! ❤👏🇪🇸
Thank you for information and inspiration, Erica. Last month I retired from 25 years of teaching middle school art and reading. At first I felt guilty for goofing off, but man, I needed down time! I have crates and boxes of lessons, supplies, books, stuff! Brought home my mini fridge and microwave, lamps, chairs, framed artwork, curtains, tablecloths, etc, etc. They are still in my entryway, but I am slowly beginning on sorting, donating, tossing stuff. I have to say that tossing/recycling all of those lesson plans and “red tape” from school is simply liberating. My most pressing paperwork issue now is making sure I have all of my newly acquired Social Security and Teacher Retirement info in order. This video helped motivate me.
Decluttering paper is a pain, but soo rewarding. And like decluttering anything else, it gets easier. Everytime I go through our papers I laugh at some of the stuff I chose to keep in previous declutters. Love your videos, they're very inspiring!!
Hi Erica! Former Homeschool Veteran Mom HERE...paper clutter and yes, books still haunt me. I’m a grandmother of 12 now for crying out loud! Anyway... I have been binge watching your videos... and you are an En.Courage.HER!! I love your videos... and your raw honesty. Most of all, I enjoy the length of your videos... most under30mins. I get done and go do something! Thank you, thank you, thank you ‘
My parents both passed away and I moved into their house. They were very tidy but kept WAY too much paperwork. I've been finding old records (1980's!) for the past 2 years stuck away in various drawers. And back then, SS#s were on everything so I've had to shred a lot rather than just toss into the recycle bin. I am doing "swedish death cleaning" so no one has to find all my crap and shred it!
I feel you! When my 97 year old grandma passed, she had drawers of her medical records from the 50s!! I couldn't quite believe it! I wonder what goes thru people's minds... :) Compassion I shall have!
The first big sort/purge is the hardest, so congrats on getting past that! Here's how I manage paper: Everything that comes into the house gets sorted right away, and junk mail goes in the recycle bin immediately. Other items go in my kitchen inbox. Weekly, as I pay bills, balance accounts, etc, I send the stubs and statements to my office's 'ready to file' bin. From there, once every couple of months I sort, file and shred. And then at least once a year (in February) but usually twice a year, I go through everything in the file cabinet to purge old stuff. February is also when we get our tax file ready for the accountant, which is easy because as I file throughout the year, all tax stuff just goes in the current year's file, so sorting it in February is easy because it's already all in one place. This system has worked beautifully for us, and it takes less and less each year as I further refine our systems. Like every thing to do with cleaning and organizing, regular maintenance is the key. And it brings me joy when I need some random document and know exactly where to find it!
WOW...my basement is piled with paperwork that needs decluttering!! I look at it and say...maybe another day. Hopefully this video will get me started and I will either get swallowed up or emerge victorious. Thanks for the motivation.
Paper is my nemesis. I have made progress. I used to have 3 desks, 4 file cabinets and many boxes full of paper. I now have 2 small file boxes like yours and have sold the cabinets and desks. It's an ongoing process!
I really liked how you used big boxes to contain disposable items, and how you set up filing as you went instead of making a pile(s) to deal with later. Great way to attack the Paper Beast!
I’m only at the intro, but I half expected you, no joke, when you knelt down onto the paper pile, to make a “snow angel” in it haha. Because I won’t lie, I woulda been tempted. Ps. Paper clutter is one of my hardest battles!! 🤦♀️😂
I found your channel through your recent colab with Dawn the Minimal Mom. Love her and I’m really really enjoying your videos! I’m thankful you both did the colab videos We just got a new fire box a couple months ago. It’s still in the box 🤦♀️ one of those things I should really get my butt in gear and get it done haha
Still binge watching!! As a professional organizer, and a recently retired military spouse this is what I do and recommend, especially to my military ladies. But really everyone Take a 3 ring trapper keeper zip up large binder and put every important piece of paperwork in it. I have a check list that goes from birth certificate, marriage, passports, divorce decrees, military orders car info wills house deeds life insurance, etc. I have a checklist that was given to me by the Red Cross from the Misawa AF base. We moved there 1 year after the tsunami so having everything go ready in case of earthquake was so important. I make my emergency binder, tabbed it out and have used it on every move and it has been a god send. I bought a very large fire proof safe that holds the binder. I also have a hard drive with a backup of all of our computer files and pictures in there.
The Rex Fam See what happens when you are vision impaired and don’t read everything super carefully. In my mind, I was replying to something Erica posted. Apologies for making you almost as confused as I apparently am.
You have my greates respect. I've been a minimalist for 5 years, except for paper. It still gives me nightmares, because the paper and its contents need to be dealt with, not just sorted or decluttered.
I gathered everything, and OMG. 8 full "big" totes (18 gallons). This is my biggest hoarding/problem category. I think my mental block comes from fear that I will get rid of something that I wrote down that I will need. A big part of my self-identity comes from the success I've had in my career, which hinges on "genius" insights (which I capture in paper notes while brainstorming). And then there's the guilt related to throwing out sentimental items. And then there's the fact that I never had a good system for capturing & archiving important info & documents electronically, with backup in the cloud & on thumb drives. Sigh. Wish me luck.
Man I hate paper clutter🥴 I actually decluttered some of it this morning. I even trashed a few pictures and cards that we were sent a few years ago, not real sentimental ones. I’ve been keeping items from our grown grandkids thinking one day they will want them, I guessing they won’t and surely their moms have a box of it somewhere?? But I’m also giving them the option now of getting it out of my house and into theirs or trashing it. I have had some of it starting over thirty years now , holy wow 😱
Thanks for inspiring me every single time I watch your vlogs ❤️ although I dream of a minimalist life in monochrome perfection you are able to get me back into what's realistic and approachable. And I thank you for this, Erica. We both do not live in a staged minimalistic home, we have family and a life happening in our homes. Your down to earth and hands on attitude is just perfect. And I absolutely love, that you can show your flaws as well, no high gloss stuff. Lots of love from Berlin /Germany and big kudos for everything you have accomplished during the last months! 💕💕💕
I get so much out of watching you talk through your decisions. It encourages me and makes me feel more normal. Thank you for sharing your thoughts aloud with us.
I was so happy when you found the papers you were looking for you'd think they were my papers. 😆 Seeing you go through your pile makes me realize my pile is doable. Thanks for the video.
Paper clutter is definitely a HUGE thing for me... I can’t do a filing system...just too much for my brain...but, what I do is put all my bills that are paid, receipts etc. in a brown envelope, I use a smaller size & put the receipts in there for each month...I know I really don’t need to keep everything...but, you don’t know how many times I’ve went back to that month I paid something or my husband asked me for such &. Such & I go in my envelope & find it...much easier than labeling everything...my husband pays most of the bills & he has his own system...but, I’ve been doing this for many years...if it was for tax purposes, I used a brown envelope just for that...I have fire proof safes for important documents insurance, birth certificates etc... I am working on paying bills as they come in...it is much easier to do than procrastinate...still working on this...I can relate to your paper pile!!
great job! I so identify with this … I had to do multiple paper declutters over probably 2 years … my final one started with me having my 6' long kitchen counter COVERED with stacks of paper. But now I'm down to one notebook and one 1" accordion file. So it can be done. I do really recommend a vertical "inbox" rather than horizontal. It's so easy for papers to get buried in a horizontal pile (for me, anyway).
Just a thought on "Medical." Don't be afraid to be ruthless in that category. I find it is sometimes redundant information or extra paperwork I get at the doctor's, just like precautions on a vaccine that is meant to be temporary information. Also, most of these are now digital and "easy to replace." I found myself keeping some of it for sentimental reasons (like tracking their growth charts) rather than a true need to keep pile.
PictureThis Autism I think I’m going to type up necessary history and info for each of us, then scan the rest. That way - God forbid - the medical history for each kiddo is summarized if someone needs to take care of my kids
This was so inspiring. What helps me is to see that I am not the only one with paper clutter accumulated over years. I am currently watching a lot of videos showing people who are decluttering (you, the minimal mom, Alejandra Costello and others) and who are giving handy tips about how to organize things. This helps me so much to get started and to do something every day. Thanks a lot!
This is a sore spot for me. I really need to deal with my paper clutter. It’s taken up space both physically and mentally. I even started getting a headache while watching your video... 🙄🤯🤔 But it was for filling to se you get through it to the “other side” Well done so far!!! 👏👍😊
I keep all birth, marriage, insurance, passports in a binder using protection sheets for easy access
5 лет назад
I do that with all major purchases too. Like the oven/instructions/receipt, or the washing machine/instructions/receipt. I have two binders with this stuff, and I can't even begin to tell you how helpful it has been to have this organized.
I advise you to go after every sing paper in your house and do it once for all because paper decluttering is one of the most exhausting but yet awarding categories to go through
Ellen Lima KonMari said to do that too. But I’d have to declutter and unpack SO much from the attic and the shed and crawl space. I’m not ready for that
@@EricaLucasLoves so one space a day or week. Do it once, but not necessarily in one day. Maybe use your entire january for paper decluttering. You wont lose momentum
To Erica's point you can't declutter a category like paper if you have a large space like an attic or basement with stuff on top or all around it. When we moved a few months ago I was forced to deal with the upstairs office I had all but abanded. I only had a small amount of paperwork to keep. If it's in the attic it will go fast once you get it all together because it is most certainty not needed.
You should also look at 'clutterbug'. Her vlog gives good advice on how to deal with paper. She started out just like you and now she has a business organizing other peoples' homes.
Erika, Thank you so much making the comments as you go along! I am making the same comments in my head thinking I am weird, but obviously not. I have just started to go through all my business and personal paperwork, old school notes and things related to my previous career. It has been great to have the distance and objectivity and my compost pile is doing so well after giving it heaps of those shredded pieces. I still have plenty to do, but my office looks so much better and does not give me anxiety on what to do first as I keep putting 20 minutes timer on and than switching tasks. I have done so much in 6 days and I am no longer annoyed at myself for thinking I have got to do this, but it will take forever (it does not!!!) and putting it away to some day to do. Well done, keep going. Can't wait for your next honest video. Oh, and anything left is possible I am planning to scan with my Doxie scanner (idea of THE Minimalists) and get a external storage disc.
I looove your videos! You’re always so authentic and I can really see the change in you over the month! Keep going 💪🏻 I did my paper declutter yesterday and it took me 4 HOURS 😭 Finally done for the year 😍
Paperwork is one of those decluttering jobs that I consider to have 'layers'. Your first layer is the stuff you instantly identify that can be chucked out. Your second layer is those things you can easily file. Your 3rd layer is the things that you will need to come back to, whether it be to establish what they actually are, or to research the advice on how long you have to keep this kind of document. That's your inbox. It's okay not to do all the layers at once! My one tip if you have an insane amount of shredding to do is to research shredding services. They send you a sealed bag to put your paperwork in, then shred it confidentially. Keep it up Erica! X
A few years back I did a major konmari-style declutter. For paper, it was hard : for one thing, I had what I called my 'box of sorrows' that was related to my divorce, but which everyone/thing said I HAD to keep. As you can imagine, it did *not* 'spark joy. I mentioned it to my boss at the time and a coworker (both lawyers) and they were like 'oh you can just scan it'. I was never more joyful and happy to purge that box (and the shred, with GUSTO lol). Since then I have been an active user of the scan and shred method and can proudly say my paperwork for a household of three includes one small accordion folder (with most recent medical info, past 6 or so years of taxes, most recent insurance policy info docs, and a one or two more items) and another, very slim document holder for the 'critical' paperwork the birth certs, passports, etc (so if we ever have to leave in a hurry we can grab and go). And here's the reality: I ave never, not once, needed anything I have scanned. And upkeep gets done in about 10 mins every year and new policies info comes out :) Just binged all of your declutters yesterday so was esp thrilled to see a new one so soon. You've worked so hard and this 'internet stranger' is very proud of your journey so far :)
First of all, I love your channel! Second, with the letter from a car insurance carrier that was sent to your son...I second the idea to call them and ask how he got on their list. When we purchased a car, we suddenly started receiving a lot of mail from insurance carriers trying to get our business. It concerns me that something similar might be the case - that perhaps someone bought a car under his name. Best to find out for sure what’s going on. And along with freezing your children’s credit, don’t forget that you can request a free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. I’m not sure how that process works when the credit is frozen though. Wishing you luck and that this is nothing serious!
My identity was taken when I was 11 years old, didn't realize until I turned 16 and needed car insurance and got denied due to a "record" that included grand theft auto, etc. Turns out a receptionist at my doctor's office stole a bunch of children's social security numbers and sold them to various felons. My mother contacted the local FBI office along with social security office to see what could be done. Your local office should be able to give you advice on next steps if your son's identity was taken.
This might be because I’m Swedish and our social security number is actually a “person’s number” as in it is date of birth plus four extra digits, but how could you use a SSN in real life and get away with it? Is there no register that will tell the authorities than no, this number does not belong to a 54 year old but rather a child in five states away?
@@medlem1234 good question! The person that stole my SSN lived in the same state as me and had a similar name as me so he was able to get away with it for so long. In the US as long as you have the SSN you can get away with a lot of stuff unfortunately :(
@@medlem1234 The record keeping in the US is hair-raisingly bad. You could have numerous people using your identity and the authorities don't seem to care. Even if they file tax returns in your name to get refunds, nothing seems to happen to them when they're found out. A SWAT team might raid your house over an error on your student loan application, but you can steal people's identity, ruin their lives, drown them in debt, and the government doesn't care.
Keep all taxes I eventually just scan and put on my drive if I want to get rid of the paper. Also the calender I just reuse them and put new date on if I ever needed to like for example the household maintenance calender.
Great job, Erica! I have been on my minimalism journey for 4 years now. About a year ago I started on the momentos and keepsakes. Just a tip regarding the artwork... my kids are in their 30's and we had a family declutter and went through their school memory box and artwork and they were very disinterested in any of it. You may want to consider keeping a very minimal/ the very best of these physical momentos. Each person and family experiences this uniquely, but I have heard this from others that their kids just aren't that interested in it as grown adults.
I know this is an older video, but I have my oldest go through his artwork regularly from his designated art bin because he's like a mad artist lol and decide what he no longer needs. I keep those special pieces put in a separate bin of things like handprint art and very special pieces they make.
Love how real you are, and your hair is absolutely gorgeous. The Gold Project has a great children’s memories organizing system, if you would like to check it out. 😊 You are doing such a great job, and I’m enjoying watching the process.
Hi Erica.. love this video .. you inspired me to tackle my mountain of paper clutter! The categories you are utilizing simplify everything! I lose sleep over the paper clutter! Great job!
0:19 when I was wondering if a headache hit you because I was hit with a headache. 557 at this point in comments---for the luv of!@!$$. Oh, well, paper clutter is my most challenging, so I might as well see what our peers say about advising us. Oh, and almost forgot. Good video topic.
Another tip for eliminating excess paper is to get a scanner and scan in some of the items you are holding onto -- like medical items. You can then store important info on a thumb-drive that can be put in a bank safe deposit box or (at the very least) your fire-proof box. Later on, you could also digitize pictures you want to save. Makes them easier to share with other family members and with multiple kids later on.
You can put a freeze on your son’s SSN/credit (all of the kids actually) and then when they get older the freeze can be removed when needed. This will make their information less attractive to identity thieves as they will not be able to open any lines of credit using your child’s information. PS love the talking through as you work on projects, definitely helpful for those of us taking inspiration from your process! Thank you for sharing!
I keep all my family papers in a binder for each person. First are important papers like birth certificat, passport... then medical, then contracts like for sports, kindergarden... at the begining of a new school year as I get new contracts I flip througt each persons folder and toss old stuff. Also binders are not big so in case of a fire I would take them easly out.
I used to keep four filing drawers full of paper. I saved everything including envelopes. I was able to purge myself to less than one drawer, so I got rid of the two two-drawer filing cabinets to a file crate I got at Walmart. I also helped my son to do the same thing. He has a small wire rack I gave him (used to be more files I had on top of the file drawers, so yes, technically I had 5 drawers of files), and he seems to be keeping just to it.
I am feeling you. My past weekend was spent sorting trough my paperwork. At least I learned a few years back that it is easier to keep everything in one spot. If I was trying to find something, I knew where to search. My HUGE drawer kept filling to a point where I had trouble to put any more stuff inside. For some reason I felt like it is time to organize everything. Which I did. After a day and a half and about 12 hours in total all my paperwork was organized until today. When new letters came in, waiting to be organized and the whole circle starts again....
What a FANTASTIC AND AMAZING Job!!!! You made it seem so easy!! Paperwork is the most difficult thing to go thru! I kept putting it off till I had my mom's , mine, and my husband and mine to go thru. My husband passed away in 2002 and my mom ( who I took care of for 20 yrs) passed away in 2015. It was what started my decluttering everything in 2017. I started then gave up many times over the yrs but finally kept at it and I'm still doing it, always!!! HAPPY HAPPY! !!!
For future reference, as per IRS website, you no longer need to keep takes for 7 years. Only 3...unless you have had repeated issues with your taxes then they would audit 5
Papers are the bain of my existence! LOL You did a fantastic job! I loved how you described everything and your process! I am really enjoying all your videos :-)
I love watching your videos! So inspiring and fun! My husband keeps an eye on the important papers, but I use the Fly Lady Method for my stuff. When I use it (:D) it works great. Blessings!
A big thing that I do is when I get my mail at the post office I stand right there at the post office and go through every piece of mail and get rid every little bit of garbage. So that means envelopes, junk mail, absolutely any little piece of paper that I do not want to take home with me goes in the garbage or the recycling bin there at the post office. I take home with me the least amount of paper as possible. I do the same thing with my mail that comes to my mailbox at home. I immediately go through it as soon as it comes. I don't put it off to the side or put it in a pile. It definitely does cut down on the amount of paper that I end up dealing with.
Self-employed single mom with 100% custody! Years behind on paperwork, filing, shredding and taxes! This was very helpful and motivating! I am otherwise a “comfort minimalist” at heart! The amount of paper items that come through the door - ugh! 😩 I can do this!
Thank you for making feel like I’m not alone with paper clutter. When you said you have paper in your attic, shed, drawers, etc. wow that’s me. I get it girlfriend!
I helped my mom do this with her and dad's paperwork. Over 40 years of marriage plus inherited papers from her mom and dad. This was before KonMari or RUclips became a source of guidance. The keep pile was huge. The trash/burn pile even more so. Over the years, I have steadily learned more about what to keep and have whittled their paperwork to three magazine holders, an expandable file folder (house paperwork), and a couple of small boxes for their taxes (because they don't want to get rid of any of them). It may sound like a lot but it used to be a two drawer file cabinet stuffed to the brim, two file boxes, and a small bin of unsorted paperwork. And that didn't count the new stuff coming in. It is a constant battle because they just don't bother sorting or organizing paperwork. Drives me batty.
Said all that as background for why I hope and highly encourage finding an upkeep plan that works for you because it is so easy for papers to creep in and start piling up. I admire you for tackling this because it can be so stressful and exhausting.
I have a box similar to your keep file. I just went through and purged taxes from 2003 and papers from a vehicle I no longer own (for 2 years). My problem is I pile “important papers to go through” on top of the box until it’s healing and a huge chore again. So happy to see someone real with piles of paper around.
I love this! My husband is amazing at organization of our bills and taxes. They fit into 1 file folder with 24 compartmentalized files. Me....not so much. We have all our identity stuff filed in a file box. Deployments have taught me how though! You are amazing! I rewatch your videos as motivation to keep going! I wanted to cry with you since you started your journey. Your home then, looks just like mine now! Day by day, it is getting better! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. You are awesome!
You’re doing great! I did a major KonMari paper declutter in 2016. I put a process in place that’s working for us. I’m proud to say I’ve conquered paper. And it feels good.
I've started scanning all my important paperwork. then I can either shred it or save it for the required time (taxes) then shred it when the time is up. my paper clutter is so much better now. of course I have a set of folders that I keep in a fireproof safe for forever items like marriage & birth certs, car titles, passports, etc. but they are also scanned, just in case.
Cudos to you! I need to do this again since I went back to my basket system of despair 😭 For important papers Fly Lady has a great system she calls a “control journal” that’s in a binder. It contains anything you would want to have in case of a fire. We did one of these a few years ago and it’s working really well.
I just did this last night. I do it weekly. SO much shredded paper going into the compost every week, and my husband thinks I may be the last person in the world who still files paper in an executive file drawer, color coded, and by date. I also went through three boxes of photos. Blurred and duplicates were discarded, with exception to photos with other people. I gave those to the respective people as Christmas gifts. The more I did it, the more I was reminded of “Swedish Death Cleaning”. I feel so much better now!
I’ve been binge watching a bunch of your decluttering/minimalist videos this past week, and so much of what you are doing resonates with me. A couple of random thoughts in no particular order: 1. Paper clutter is my big bugaboo, and I inherited a bunch from my parents as well (I'm a genetic packrat). A lot of what I got from my folks was family history stuff, photos as well as letters, papers, etc. I've been working on scanning it all over the past few years, so as to decrease the physical pile of stuff. I did find some of my dad's tax documents from the early 50’s (yes, they still had that stuff! My mom had old phone books from the 1960's 😱) rather interesting-those kinds of papers have a lot of good information such as addresses of where they lived, what kind of jobs he held, how much he earned and spent. For historical purposes I'm finding it interesting, but there is no need to keep the physical papers, scanning them is fine. Since you are a military family and move a lot, this may be information your kids will find helpful or interesting later in life. 2. Speaking of your frequent moves, I can’t help but think that the next time you have to move, packing and shipping will be SO MUCH easier! 3. Scanning is also useful for a lot of financial and medical records where the original document is not needed (Old taxes, paid mortgages and car loans, and so on). 4. Scanning, however, makes it imperative that you also "declutter" your computer, and set up a good filing and file naming system on it so you can find documents when you need them. And also a good backup, whether to CDs, or to a backup hard drive. Keep up the good work-you are inspirational in a very realistic and accessible way!
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I started sorting paperwork and sorting out rubbish. My husband thinks I'm getting ready to die.
I decluttered my whole house. My husband asked me if I was leaving him 😂
Dorothy that's funny.
@@christinaruiz4183 - Oh my. That's funny.
😂
Lol!
The dilusional hysterical manical laughter at the start pretty much somes up paper decluttering!!! 😂😂😂 stay strong 💖💖💖
EmmaAppleBerry I loved that moment too
She makes my day
I wouldn't recommend putting the "in" box in a drawer because of the out of sight, out of mind mentality (which I tend to have), there are some nice hanging file organizers that could be hung by your lap top. You're doing a great job!!!!!
Tammy Rivas oooh a hang bin on that blank wall space!!! ❤️❤️❤️
I was going to say that! Dont put inbox in a drawer.
I only have an inbox or todo box so I have place to put papers I’m going to ignore.
I have saved some of my cards from the past and keep them in a pretty box in my nightstand. I use them as bookmarks. For each new book I pick a different one. Some cards, f.eks. are from my mom, who is not with us anymore. This makes me happy
Great idea! I do this with ribbons from gifts.
These are both lovely ideas!
❤️
I started organizing my home last year after watching the show Tiding Up during our Christmas Break. I loosely followed Marie Condo's method and I must say paper was the 2nd worse category (after sentiment - which includes pictures, that I am STILL working on). Like you mentioned I continued to find paper everywhere. I have since gone through my house twice (other than the photos) and wouldn't be surprised if there was another box of paper waiting for me. Now I have a really simple paper method similar to the Minimal Mom's. You are doing a wonderful job! I would recommend when you have gone through everything (like everything) to go back again and you will be surprised at the things you kept and will then get rid of even more. I have gone through paper several times and still manage to declutter more each time. I look forward to your videos and cheer you on from afar! You got this!!
My dog received mail for a discount vacation!!
😂😂😂
How on earth did they get your Dog's name?
I have no idea!! It’s crazy
Also- I've learned to bring in mail and immediately recycle junk, plus switched to electronic everything to cut down on mailings from financial institutions. Also , when I get an unasked-for catalog, I email them and tell them to take me off the list for mailings. So far I have reduced the mail by about 50% from years ago.
Yes, I was drowning in catalogs a few years back and just took a Saturday and contacted them all and asked to be taken off their list. My biggest problem now is that the mail person has to read the address so quickly that he/she mistakes Miller/Muller and apartment numbers. I switched to electronic, too.
My dear Erica ~ You are so awesome. I watched this video when it first aired, I've watched SO many paper declutter videos since then! This really is the best...BECAUSE your 'backlog' looked much like mine still does. You are REAL. I DID go through 17 years of 'backlog', and have greatly reduced it...but still have a way to go. I have found it unsatisfying when I see other Tubers with a handful of papers to sort and lay flat in their pretty desk drawer. Kind of like someone who says they are doing a craft room declutter and they have a desk with markers, some post-its, and three sketch books. When I go to face my papers, THIS video is the one that sticks with me. It's work, people! Thank you, Erica!
Erica, I am rewatching and these videos are still amazing 2 years later. Thanks for being so real and relatable throughout your journey! 💕
If it’s any help, my dog got mail a few years ago.....
Vickie Wozny STOP. That makes me feel better.
My then baby brother was drafted.
My husband's prior wife got a credit card application offer at OUR address -- that she had NEVER lived at! After they'd been divorced for 18 years! Scary.
@@annw1395 Same kind of crap here.
I usually like those very aesthetic looking videos and but as I have been watching your videos I just realized that there is SOMETHING really fascinating about your way of filmin and editing. Usually there is (and it's funny how you have just written about it on your information) crazy background music but the way you speak, your voice and how smart your words are... is really captivating! You are so true to yourself and honest I love it! It makes me so relaxed. Thank You!
Declutter papers and sentimental stuff are the hardest steps into a minimalist -or simplified- way of life. You have done it very well. I do not know if it is rigth to recieve a warm praise from a woman (I am too), we do not have any problem about that in my country and culture and I would not want to be missundestood, but let me tell you that you look great. Has anyone notice that her face look more relaxed and happier than months ago? That's the real magic! Congratulations from Spain! ❤👏🇪🇸
BOSTON
You: 'The band? The city?'
Me: 'The creme bun?'
*can you tell i'm hungry* haha
EmmaAppleBerry 😂 😂😂😂❤️
I said "the bean" 😂
Boston cream pie...
I thought creme pie too!! Lol
Thank you for information and inspiration, Erica.
Last month I retired from 25 years of teaching middle school art and reading. At first I felt guilty for goofing off, but man, I needed down time! I have crates and boxes of lessons, supplies, books, stuff! Brought home my mini fridge and microwave, lamps, chairs, framed artwork, curtains, tablecloths, etc, etc. They are still in my entryway, but I am slowly beginning on sorting, donating, tossing stuff. I have to say that tossing/recycling all of those lesson plans and “red tape” from school is simply liberating. My most pressing paperwork issue now is making sure I have all of my newly acquired Social Security and Teacher Retirement info in order. This video helped motivate me.
Decluttering paper is a pain, but soo rewarding. And like decluttering anything else, it gets easier. Everytime I go through our papers I laugh at some of the stuff I chose to keep in previous declutters. Love your videos, they're very inspiring!!
I love it when the birth certificates were found that they were already in their own green folder.
Hi Erica! Former Homeschool Veteran Mom HERE...paper clutter and yes, books still haunt me. I’m a grandmother of 12 now for crying out loud! Anyway... I have been binge watching your videos... and you are an En.Courage.HER!! I love your videos... and your raw honesty. Most of all, I enjoy the length of your videos... most under30mins. I get done and go do something! Thank you, thank you, thank you ‘
My parents both passed away and I moved into their house. They were very tidy but kept WAY too much paperwork. I've been finding old records (1980's!) for the past 2 years stuck away in various drawers. And back then, SS#s were on everything so I've had to shred a lot rather than just toss into the recycle bin. I am doing "swedish death cleaning" so no one has to find all my crap and shred it!
I loved Swedish Death cleaning!!!! I have the book on audio and listen to it several times to inspire me.
I feel you! When my 97 year old grandma passed, she had drawers of her medical records from the 50s!! I couldn't quite believe it! I wonder what goes thru people's minds... :) Compassion I shall have!
The first big sort/purge is the hardest, so congrats on getting past that! Here's how I manage paper: Everything that comes into the house gets sorted right away, and junk mail goes in the recycle bin immediately. Other items go in my kitchen inbox. Weekly, as I pay bills, balance accounts, etc, I send the stubs and statements to my office's 'ready to file' bin. From there, once every couple of months I sort, file and shred. And then at least once a year (in February) but usually twice a year, I go through everything in the file cabinet to purge old stuff. February is also when we get our tax file ready for the accountant, which is easy because as I file throughout the year, all tax stuff just goes in the current year's file, so sorting it in February is easy because it's already all in one place. This system has worked beautifully for us, and it takes less and less each year as I further refine our systems. Like every thing to do with cleaning and organizing, regular maintenance is the key. And it brings me joy when I need some random document and know exactly where to find it!
WOW...my basement is piled with paperwork that needs decluttering!! I look at it and say...maybe another day. Hopefully this video will get me started and I will either get swallowed up or emerge victorious. Thanks for the motivation.
Paper is my nemesis. I have made progress. I used to have 3 desks, 4 file cabinets and many boxes full of paper. I now have 2 small file boxes like yours and have sold the cabinets and desks. It's an ongoing process!
I really liked how you used big boxes to contain disposable items, and how you set up filing as you went instead of making a pile(s) to deal with later. Great way to attack the Paper Beast!
I’m only at the intro, but I half expected you, no joke, when you knelt down onto the paper pile, to make a “snow angel” in it haha. Because I won’t lie, I woulda been tempted.
Ps. Paper clutter is one of my hardest battles!! 🤦♀️😂
I found your channel through your recent colab with Dawn the Minimal Mom. Love her and I’m really really enjoying your videos! I’m thankful you both did the colab videos
We just got a new fire box a couple months ago. It’s still in the box 🤦♀️ one of those things I should really get my butt in gear and get it done haha
Paper clutter happens so fast!
Still binge watching!! As a professional organizer, and a recently retired military spouse this is what I do and recommend, especially to my military ladies. But really everyone Take a 3 ring trapper keeper zip up large binder and put every important piece of paperwork in it. I have a check list that goes from birth certificate, marriage, passports, divorce decrees, military orders car info wills house deeds life insurance, etc. I have a checklist that was given to me by the Red Cross from the Misawa AF base. We moved there 1 year after the tsunami so having everything go ready in case of earthquake was so important. I make my emergency binder, tabbed it out and have used it on every move and it has been a god send. I bought a very large fire proof safe that holds the binder. I also have a hard drive with a backup of all of our computer files and pictures in there.
Paper clutter takes so long to go through. I love Dawn, she's great.
The Rex Fam Dawn is great, and so are you, Erica.
@@gingerstrahan7464 Erica already knows I think she's great. ❤
The Rex Fam See what happens when you are vision impaired and don’t read everything super carefully. In my mind, I was replying to something Erica posted. Apologies for making you almost as confused as I apparently am.
@@gingerstrahan7464 You replied to me so I AM confused. Lol
The Rex Fam I am not aware of “Dawn”. Please, any info to pass on?
You have my greates respect. I've been a minimalist for 5 years, except for paper. It still gives me nightmares, because the paper and its contents need to be dealt with, not just sorted or decluttered.
I gathered everything, and OMG. 8 full "big" totes (18 gallons). This is my biggest hoarding/problem category.
I think my mental block comes from fear that I will get rid of something that I wrote down that I will need. A big part of my self-identity comes from the success I've had in my career, which hinges on "genius" insights (which I capture in paper notes while brainstorming).
And then there's the guilt related to throwing out sentimental items. And then there's the fact that I never had a good system for capturing & archiving important info & documents electronically, with backup in the cloud & on thumb drives.
Sigh.
Wish me luck.
Man I hate paper clutter🥴
I actually decluttered some of it this morning. I even trashed a few pictures and cards that we were sent a few years ago, not real sentimental ones. I’ve been keeping items from our grown grandkids thinking one day they will want them, I guessing they won’t and surely their moms have a box of it somewhere??
But I’m also giving them the option now of getting it out of my house and into theirs or trashing it. I have had some of it starting over thirty years now , holy wow 😱
Thanks for inspiring me every single time I watch your vlogs ❤️ although I dream of a minimalist life in monochrome perfection you are able to get me back into what's realistic and approachable. And I thank you for this, Erica. We both do not live in a staged minimalistic home, we have family and a life happening in our homes. Your down to earth and hands on attitude is just perfect. And I absolutely love, that you can show your flaws as well, no high gloss stuff. Lots of love from Berlin /Germany and big kudos for everything you have accomplished during the last months! 💕💕💕
I think that was the first time I saw someone say "Taxes" and then fist pumped the air! Love your candidness :)
I get so much out of watching you talk through your decisions. It encourages me and makes me feel more normal. Thank you for sharing your thoughts aloud with us.
I was so happy when you found the papers you were looking for you'd think they were my papers. 😆
Seeing you go through your pile makes me realize my pile is doable. Thanks for the video.
Of all of your videos( and I’ve watched them all SEVERAL times) I love this one the most. So real and relatable!!!
Thanks for making it look so doable to tackle my old papers!!
Hi while you were doing this I went in my bedroom and put things away. That makes me happy.
The hair went up. You know it's getting serious now!! Dig in girl. You're an inspiration!!
Right there with you. Minimal mom is the bomb!!! And so are YOU!!!!!
This is my paper problem 💯! I’m making a dent in it. About 3/4 done! Thanks for the inspiration ❤
Paper clutter is definitely a HUGE thing for me...
I can’t do a filing system...just too much for my brain...but, what I do is put all my bills that are paid, receipts etc. in a brown envelope, I use a smaller size & put the receipts in there for each month...I know I really don’t need to keep everything...but, you don’t know how many times I’ve went back to that month I paid something or my husband asked me for such &. Such & I go in my envelope & find it...much easier than labeling everything...my husband pays most of the bills & he has his own system...but, I’ve been doing this for many years...if it was for tax purposes, I used a brown envelope just for that...I have fire proof safes for important documents insurance, birth certificates etc...
I am working on paying bills as they come in...it is much easier to do than procrastinate...still working on this...I can relate to your paper pile!!
great job! I so identify with this … I had to do multiple paper declutters over probably 2 years … my final one started with me having my 6' long kitchen counter COVERED with stacks of paper. But now I'm down to one notebook and one 1" accordion file. So it can be done.
I do really recommend a vertical "inbox" rather than horizontal. It's so easy for papers to get buried in a horizontal pile (for me, anyway).
Paper declutter rockstar!
Just a thought on "Medical." Don't be afraid to be ruthless in that category. I find it is sometimes redundant information or extra paperwork I get at the doctor's, just like precautions on a vaccine that is meant to be temporary information. Also, most of these are now digital and "easy to replace." I found myself keeping some of it for sentimental reasons (like tracking their growth charts) rather than a true need to keep pile.
PictureThis Autism I think I’m going to type up necessary history and info for each of us, then scan the rest. That way - God forbid - the medical history for each kiddo is summarized if someone needs to take care of my kids
@@EricaLucasLoves This is a fabulous idea and I'm totally stealing it.
This was so inspiring. What helps me is to see that I am not the only one with paper clutter accumulated over years. I am currently watching a lot of videos showing people who are decluttering (you, the minimal mom, Alejandra Costello and others) and who are giving handy tips about how to organize things. This helps me so much to get started and to do something every day.
Thanks a lot!
This is a sore spot for me. I really need to deal with my paper clutter. It’s taken up space both physically and mentally. I even started getting a headache while watching your video... 🙄🤯🤔
But it was for filling to se you get through it to the “other side”
Well done so far!!! 👏👍😊
I keep all birth, marriage, insurance, passports in a binder using protection sheets for easy access
I do that with all major purchases too. Like the oven/instructions/receipt, or the washing machine/instructions/receipt. I have two binders with this stuff, and I can't even begin to tell you how helpful it has been to have this organized.
I advise you to go after every sing paper in your house and do it once for all because paper decluttering is one of the most exhausting but yet awarding categories to go through
Ellen Lima KonMari said to do that too. But I’d have to declutter and unpack SO much from the attic and the shed and crawl space. I’m not ready for that
@@EricaLucasLoves so one space a day or week. Do it once, but not necessarily in one day. Maybe use your entire january for paper decluttering. You wont lose momentum
To Erica's point you can't declutter a category like paper if you have a large space like an attic or basement with stuff on top or all around it. When we moved a few months ago I was forced to deal with the upstairs office I had all but abanded. I only had a small amount of paperwork to keep.
If it's in the attic it will go fast once you get it all together because it is most certainty not needed.
I couldn't do all the paper in the house at one time I found it over whelming, I did one room at a time. You did a great job :)
You should also look at 'clutterbug'. Her vlog gives good advice on how to deal with paper. She started out just like you and now she has a business organizing other peoples' homes.
Watching at 3:00 am lol working on that paper
Erika, Thank you so much making the comments as you go along! I am making the same comments in my head thinking I am weird, but obviously not. I have just started to go through all my business and personal paperwork, old school notes and things related to my previous career. It has been great to have the distance and objectivity and my compost pile is doing so well after giving it heaps of those shredded pieces. I still have plenty to do, but my office looks so much better and does not give me anxiety on what to do first as I keep putting 20 minutes timer on and than switching tasks. I have done so much in 6 days and I am no longer annoyed at myself for thinking I have got to do this, but it will take forever (it does not!!!) and putting it away to some day to do. Well done, keep going. Can't wait for your next honest video. Oh, and anything left is possible I am planning to scan with my Doxie scanner (idea of THE Minimalists) and get a external storage disc.
I love the way your brain works! I’ve been thru 50+ years of paperwork but need to do more! Thank you, Erica! Xo
I am doing a major declutter at my home it feels so good to get rid of stuff
You are my hero - paperwork is so hard to go through!!
I looove your videos! You’re always so authentic and I can really see the change in you over the month! Keep going 💪🏻 I did my paper declutter yesterday and it took me 4 HOURS 😭 Finally done for the year 😍
Study everyday awesome!!! That’s such a great kick off to your 2020!
Paperwork is one of those decluttering jobs that I consider to have 'layers'. Your first layer is the stuff you instantly identify that can be chucked out. Your second layer is those things you can easily file. Your 3rd layer is the things that you will need to come back to, whether it be to establish what they actually are, or to research the advice on how long you have to keep this kind of document. That's your inbox. It's okay not to do all the layers at once! My one tip if you have an insane amount of shredding to do is to research shredding services. They send you a sealed bag to put your paperwork in, then shred it confidentially. Keep it up Erica! X
A few years back I did a major konmari-style declutter. For paper, it was hard : for one thing, I had what I called my 'box of sorrows' that was related to my divorce, but which everyone/thing said I HAD to keep. As you can imagine, it did *not* 'spark joy. I mentioned it to my boss at the time and a coworker (both lawyers) and they were like 'oh you can just scan it'. I was never more joyful and happy to purge that box (and the shred, with GUSTO lol). Since then I have been an active user of the scan and shred method and can proudly say my paperwork for a household of three includes one small accordion folder (with most recent medical info, past 6 or so years of taxes, most recent insurance policy info docs, and a one or two more items) and another, very slim document holder for the 'critical' paperwork the birth certs, passports, etc (so if we ever have to leave in a hurry we can grab and go). And here's the reality: I ave never, not once, needed anything I have scanned. And upkeep gets done in about 10 mins every year and new policies info comes out :)
Just binged all of your declutters yesterday so was esp thrilled to see a new one so soon. You've worked so hard and this 'internet stranger' is very proud of your journey so far :)
First of all, I love your channel!
Second, with the letter from a car insurance carrier that was sent to your son...I second the idea to call them and ask how he got on their list. When we purchased a car, we suddenly started receiving a lot of mail from insurance carriers trying to get our business. It concerns me that something similar might be the case - that perhaps someone bought a car under his name. Best to find out for sure what’s going on. And along with freezing your children’s credit, don’t forget that you can request a free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. I’m not sure how that process works when the credit is frozen though. Wishing you luck and that this is nothing serious!
My identity was taken when I was 11 years old, didn't realize until I turned 16 and needed car insurance and got denied due to a "record" that included grand theft auto, etc. Turns out a receptionist at my doctor's office stole a bunch of children's social security numbers and sold them to various felons. My mother contacted the local FBI office along with social security office to see what could be done. Your local office should be able to give you advice on next steps if your son's identity was taken.
WOW!!!
This might be because I’m Swedish and our social security number is actually a “person’s number” as in it is date of birth plus four extra digits, but how could you use a SSN in real life and get away with it? Is there no register that will tell the authorities than no, this number does not belong to a 54 year old but rather a child in five states away?
@@medlem1234 good question! The person that stole my SSN lived in the same state as me and had a similar name as me so he was able to get away with it for so long. In the US as long as you have the SSN you can get away with a lot of stuff unfortunately :(
@@medlem1234 The record keeping in the US is hair-raisingly bad. You could have numerous people using your identity and the authorities don't seem to care. Even if they file tax returns in your name to get refunds, nothing seems to happen to them when they're found out. A SWAT team might raid your house over an error on your student loan application, but you can steal people's identity, ruin their lives, drown them in debt, and the government doesn't care.
@@medlem1234 This happens a lot for some reason!! The crooks are very clever!!!
Keep all taxes I eventually just scan and put on my drive if I want to get rid of the paper. Also the calender I just reuse them and put new date on if I ever needed to like for example the household maintenance calender.
Great job, Erica!
I have been on my minimalism journey for 4 years now. About a year ago I started on the momentos and keepsakes. Just a tip regarding the artwork... my kids are in their 30's and we had a family declutter and went through their school memory box and artwork and they were very disinterested in any of it. You may want to consider keeping a very minimal/ the very best of these physical momentos. Each person and family experiences this uniquely, but I have heard this from others that their kids just aren't that interested in it as grown adults.
Until they have kids. Just need a few pieces.
I have taken pics of the best of them, then jettisoned them.
I know this is an older video, but I have my oldest go through his artwork regularly from his designated art bin because he's like a mad artist lol and decide what he no longer needs. I keep those special pieces put in a separate bin of things like handprint art and very special pieces they make.
Love how real you are, and your hair is absolutely gorgeous. The Gold Project has a great children’s memories organizing system, if you would like to check it out. 😊 You are doing such a great job, and I’m enjoying watching the process.
Hi Erica.. love this video .. you inspired me to tackle my mountain of paper clutter! The categories you are utilizing simplify everything! I lose sleep over the paper clutter! Great job!
0:19 when I was wondering if a headache hit you because I was hit with a headache. 557 at this point in comments---for the luv of!@!$$. Oh, well, paper clutter is my most challenging, so I might as well see what our peers say about advising us. Oh, and almost forgot. Good video topic.
Thanks for talking through your paper decluttering. So many youtubers just speed through with music and no narration.
Thanks for a great video!
Another tip for eliminating excess paper is to get a scanner and scan in some of the items you are holding onto -- like medical items. You can then store important info on a thumb-drive that can be put in a bank safe deposit box or (at the very least) your fire-proof box. Later on, you could also digitize pictures you want to save. Makes them easier to share with other family members and with multiple kids later on.
You can put a freeze on your son’s SSN/credit (all of the kids actually) and then when they get older the freeze can be removed when needed. This will make their information less attractive to identity thieves as they will not be able to open any lines of credit using your child’s information.
PS love the talking through as you work on projects, definitely helpful for those of us taking inspiration from your process! Thank you for sharing!
New here! Really liked your method of gather, plan, then conquer! Great job at keeping it all real. Some stuff just really defies being categorized.
I keep all my family papers in a binder for each person. First are important papers like birth certificat, passport... then medical, then contracts like for sports, kindergarden... at the begining of a new school year as I get new contracts I flip througt each persons folder and toss old stuff. Also binders are not big so in case of a fire I would take them easly out.
I used to keep four filing drawers full of paper. I saved everything including envelopes. I was able to purge myself to less than one drawer, so I got rid of the two two-drawer filing cabinets to a file crate I got at Walmart. I also helped my son to do the same thing. He has a small wire rack I gave him (used to be more files I had on top of the file drawers, so yes, technically I had 5 drawers of files), and he seems to be keeping just to it.
I am feeling you. My past weekend was spent sorting trough my paperwork. At least I learned a few years back that it is easier to keep everything in one spot. If I was trying to find something, I knew where to search. My HUGE drawer kept filling to a point where I had trouble to put any more stuff inside. For some reason I felt like it is time to organize everything. Which I did. After a day and a half and about 12 hours in total all my paperwork was organized until today. When new letters came in, waiting to be organized and the whole circle starts again....
Paper is crazy! Thank you for this video, your candid thought process, and your example! So much of mine is sentimental! Ugh!
I am sharing this video with my husband. He holds on to all the paper.
Mine too, I just shredded things from when he was a cop 15 years ago. Piles of paper from things we don't even own anymore, taxes from 10 years ago.
This category was for me the longest one, overwhelming, but now i try to keep up on a regular basis. Love your video.
So proud of you Erica. You said you would declutter that cupboard in 2020, and you've started it even before the end of January. Great job.
What a FANTASTIC AND AMAZING Job!!!! You made it seem so easy!! Paperwork is the most difficult thing to go thru! I kept putting it off till I had my mom's , mine, and my husband and mine to go thru. My husband passed away in 2002 and my mom ( who I took care of for 20 yrs) passed away in 2015. It was what started my decluttering everything in 2017. I started then gave up many times over the yrs but finally kept at it and I'm still doing it, always!!! HAPPY HAPPY! !!!
Love your thumbnail pic 😂😂😂
Great job, Erica. I admire your pressing on and not giving up when things get overwhelming.
For future reference, as per IRS website, you no longer need to keep takes for 7 years. Only 3...unless you have had repeated issues with your taxes then they would audit 5
Papers are the bain of my existence! LOL You did a fantastic job! I loved how you described everything and your process! I am really enjoying all your videos :-)
I love watching your videos! So inspiring and fun! My husband keeps an eye on the important papers, but I use the Fly Lady Method for my stuff. When I use it (:D) it works great. Blessings!
Great video thanks
A big thing that I do is when I get my mail at the post office I stand right there at the post office and go through every piece of mail and get rid every little bit of garbage. So that means envelopes, junk mail, absolutely any little piece of paper that I do not want to take home with me goes in the garbage or the recycling bin there at the post office. I take home with me the least amount of paper as possible. I do the same thing with my mail that comes to my mailbox at home. I immediately go through it as soon as it comes. I don't put it off to the side or put it in a pile. It definitely does cut down on the amount of paper that I end up dealing with.
I have a small filing cabinet in a corner of my kitchen. As I go through the mail, I file things if needed and trash if needed.
Self-employed single mom with 100% custody! Years behind on paperwork, filing, shredding and taxes! This was very helpful and motivating! I am otherwise a “comfort minimalist” at heart! The amount of paper items that come through the door - ugh! 😩 I can do this!
Thank you for making feel like I’m not alone with paper clutter. When you said you have paper in your attic, shed, drawers, etc. wow that’s me. I get it girlfriend!
I helped my mom do this with her and dad's paperwork. Over 40 years of marriage plus inherited papers from her mom and dad. This was before KonMari or RUclips became a source of guidance. The keep pile was huge. The trash/burn pile even more so. Over the years, I have steadily learned more about what to keep and have whittled their paperwork to three magazine holders, an expandable file folder (house paperwork), and a couple of small boxes for their taxes (because they don't want to get rid of any of them). It may sound like a lot but it used to be a two drawer file cabinet stuffed to the brim, two file boxes, and a small bin of unsorted paperwork. And that didn't count the new stuff coming in.
It is a constant battle because they just don't bother sorting or organizing paperwork. Drives me batty.
Said all that as background for why I hope and highly encourage finding an upkeep plan that works for you because it is so easy for papers to creep in and start piling up. I admire you for tackling this because it can be so stressful and exhausting.
I have a box similar to your keep file. I just went through and purged taxes from 2003 and papers from a vehicle I no longer own (for 2 years). My problem is I pile “important papers to go through” on top of the box until it’s healing and a huge chore again. So happy to see someone real with piles of paper around.
I love this! My husband is amazing at organization of our bills and taxes. They fit into 1 file folder with 24 compartmentalized files. Me....not so much. We have all our identity stuff filed in a file box. Deployments have taught me how though! You are amazing! I rewatch your videos as motivation to keep going! I wanted to cry with you since you started your journey. Your home then, looks just like mine now! Day by day, it is getting better! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. You are awesome!
Thank you
You’re doing great! I did a major KonMari paper declutter in 2016. I put a process in place that’s working for us. I’m proud to say I’ve conquered paper. And it feels good.
What tips do you have that could help me keep up with it!
Erica Lucas Hi! I posted my “system” as a reply on your Facebook posting about paper decluttering. It been working great for us.
I used Minimal Moms suggestion as well. It really helped me to just toss what I really didnt need
I've started scanning all my important paperwork. then I can either shred it or save it for the required time (taxes) then shred it when the time is up. my paper clutter is so much better now. of course I have a set of folders that I keep in a fireproof safe for forever items like marriage & birth certs, car titles, passports, etc. but they are also scanned, just in case.
Where do you scan to? An external hard drive?
@@martavillanueva1062 yes, the cloud.
You should paint the basement light gray and paint the doors and trim white 💖so proud of your progress
Cudos to you! I need to do this again since I went back to my basket system of despair 😭 For important papers Fly Lady has a great system she calls a “control journal” that’s in a binder. It contains anything you would want to have in case of a fire. We did one of these a few years ago and it’s working really well.
I just did this last night. I do it weekly. SO much shredded paper going into the compost every week, and my husband thinks I may be the last person in the world who still files paper in an executive file drawer, color coded, and by date. I also went through three boxes of photos. Blurred and duplicates were discarded, with exception to photos with other people. I gave those to the respective people as Christmas gifts. The more I did it, the more I was reminded of “Swedish Death Cleaning”. I feel so much better now!
Can I just say, your hair...stunning.
I’ve been binge watching a bunch of your decluttering/minimalist videos this past week, and so much of what you are doing resonates with me. A couple of random thoughts in no particular order:
1. Paper clutter is my big bugaboo, and I inherited a bunch from my parents as well (I'm a genetic packrat). A lot of what I got from my folks was family history stuff, photos as well as letters, papers, etc. I've been working on scanning it all over the past few years, so as to decrease the physical pile of stuff. I did find some of my dad's tax documents from the early 50’s (yes, they still had that stuff! My mom had old phone books from the 1960's 😱) rather interesting-those kinds of papers have a lot of good information such as addresses of where they lived, what kind of jobs he held, how much he earned and spent. For historical purposes I'm finding it interesting, but there is no need to keep the physical papers, scanning them is fine. Since you are a military family and move a lot, this may be information your kids will find helpful or interesting later in life.
2. Speaking of your frequent moves, I can’t help but think that the next time you have to move, packing and shipping will be SO MUCH easier!
3. Scanning is also useful for a lot of financial and medical records where the original document is not needed (Old taxes, paid mortgages and car loans, and so on).
4. Scanning, however, makes it imperative that you also "declutter" your computer, and set up a good filing and file naming system on it so you can find documents when you need them. And also a good backup, whether to CDs, or to a backup hard drive.
Keep up the good work-you are inspirational in a very realistic and accessible way!
love KONMARI and Minimal Mom both!! Paper really piles up, for me !
Paper clutter is the hard area for me! THERE'S SO MUCH OF IT!!! And I feel like so much of it is important to keep!
Yes!! Doesn’t that feel so much better? (I feel better just watching! 😂) There’s something so satisfying about eliminating paper clutter.