The Paperwork Problem

One of the problems my clients run into most often is too much paperwork. People quickly get overrun with paperwork and have complied so much that it becomes overwhelming for them to go through and organize

I find that clients will be willing to organize everything else in their home before touching the paperwork problem. Some clients will work with me to organize every space in their home, avoiding the mounds of paperwork of course, and then once we are finished they say they can handle the paperwork on their own and will no longer require my services. Well guess what happens; they call me weeks, month, and even years later to help them finally finish up the paperwork and complete the organization of their abode.

All and all paperwork can be one of the most overwhelming things for a client and I want to enlighten you on some of the steps you can take in order to keep your paperwork under control.

First of all, decrease the amount of paperwork you receive:

1. Use http://www.catalogchoice.org/ for reducing unwanted catalogs.
2. Use http://mailstopper.tonic.com/ for reducing junk mail.
3. Cancel you paper bank statements for all of you bank accounts by visiting you bank's website and following their instructions.
4. Cancel your paper credit card statements by visiting the credit card website and following their instructions.
5. Have you accountant e-file your tax return and e-mail you a copy to save to your computer files. (Thus, no need for a paper copy.)
6. If you like to save receipts then make either a file or a drawer where you can easily place the receipts and go through this file/drawer once a month purging the receipts you no longer need.
7. Ask you accountant what types of paperwork you need to save and how long you need to retain them for. I think you will be surprised at how little paperwork you need to hold on to!
8. Buy a nice, but simple scanner learn how to use it and then scan all other paperwork into your computer to be filed away in a paperless form. ((I use the HP Scanjet 4670 because of its sleek design and convenient use.)) (You can also do the same for pictures.) The art of doing this is to organize your paperwork into potential files and then take time to scan the whole file into the computer. Once you have the file save to the computer you can properly dispose of the paper copy. Continue to do this until all the paperwork is filed away onto your computer in properly labeled file folders. (Also, make sure that your computer files are backed up, either to an external hard drive or on-line).


Okay, if you are overwhelmed by your paperwork begin by taking the suggested steps. The key is to stay focused and create positive habits that will keep you organized.

Just think, if you take these steps next time you need to find something you will go to your computer, open the folders, and there will be the file...easy and efficient!

If you need more personal help check out my website www.alialiving.com and we can discuss your personal situation and your opportunities for success!