In theory, we live in a paperless world. In reality, your kitchen counter probably has a pile of post, receipts, school letters, and that takeaway menu you keep "just in case." Paper clutter is one of the most common sources of household stress, yet it's one of the simplest to solve.
The Landing Pad
Every home needs one designated spot where incoming paper lands. Not the kitchen table, not the stairs, not "wherever I happen to be when I open the post." A specific tray, basket, or shelf near your front door.
All paper goes here first. Nothing bypasses the landing pad.
The Three-Folder System
Once a week (pick a day and stick to it), process your landing pad using three folders:
Folder 1: Action Required
Bills to pay, forms to complete, letters to respond to. These need your time and attention within the next week.
Folder 2: To File
Important documents you need to keep but don't need to act on: insurance documents, tax records, medical records. File these monthly.
Folder 3: Recycling
Everything else. Be honest—most paper that enters your home belongs here. Junk mail, catalogues, expired coupons, takeaway menus (you can find them online).
The Filing System
Your filing system needs only five categories: Finance, Medical, Home, Personal, and Archive. Within each, use simple A-Z dividers. Don't over-categorize—you'll never maintain it.
Going Digital Where It Makes Sense
For most people, a hybrid system works best:
- Digital: Bills, bank statements, receipts (photograph and store in the cloud)
- Physical: Legal documents, birth certificates, property deeds, signed contracts
Switch to paperless billing for every account that offers it. This alone can reduce incoming paper by 50%.
The Weekly Paper Ritual
Every Sunday (or whichever day you choose), spend 10 minutes:
- Empty the landing pad
- Sort into the three folders
- Act on anything urgent from the Action folder
- Recycle everything in the Recycling folder
This 10-minute weekly habit prevents paper from ever accumulating again. It's not exciting, but it's effective—and that's what matters.