Clutter is Postponed Decisions?

Do you ever sit down at your desk buried in paper and say, "OK! Today's the day ? I'm going to clean up this mess?" You pick up the first piece of paper ? and immediately think of any number of reasons why now is not a good time to deal with this particular piece of paper. You pick up the second piece. "No, I don't think so?" And the third? And the fourth? And before you know it, the pile of papers that was on the left side of your desk is now on the right ? and you've got to run to your next appointment!

If you can identify with that scenario, and you would like to change it, remember four simple words: Clutter is postponed decisions?. I learned that from clothes closets. You can't find room for the dry cleaning because your closets are filled with things you never wear or use. Why? Maybe it's because you haven't decided whether you're going to lose the ten pounds you need to lose to get into that smaller size, whether lapels are going to get wider, or whether you'll ever play tennis again.

The same challenge awaits you in the office. If you're having difficulty-managing paper, you're not alone! Research shows that the average person spends 150 hours per year ? almost one month ? looking for lost information.

As a professional organizing consultant for over 20 years, I have spent thousands of hours helping people organize their homes and their offices ? and I have good news. There are really only three decisions you can make about any piece of paper. To make it easy for you to remember, I call it the FAT system: File, Act, or Toss: (1) You can file it away in case you need it in the future. (2) You can take action on it ? or give it to someone else to take action. (3) You can toss or recycle it.

Frequently when people get tired of a mess and decide to clean it up, they start with the old stuff. That can mean failure since new stuff keeps coming in faster than you can get rid of the old! As a result, you get discouraged and quit ? without success. Instead, keep in mind that "Today's mail is tomorrow's pile", so to be successful in cleaning up, start with today's mail. Put it in your "In Basket" and don't take out a piece of paper from it until you are ready to decide: File, Act, or Toss. If you're not willing to toss or recycle it; ask yourself the question, "Is this ball in my court?" If the answer is "Yes," put the paper in your "Action Files" located near your desk. If the answer is "No," put the paper in your "Reference Files" in some less accessible space in case you or someone else needs it later.

© Barbara Hemphill is the author of Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger at Work and Taming the Paper Tiger at Home and co-author of Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever. The mission of Hemphill Productivity Institute is to help individuals and organizations create and sustain a productive environment so they can accomplish their work and enjoy their lives. We do this by organizing space, information, and time. We can be reached at 800-427-0237 or at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com

---

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Organizing Your Kids Rooms

1. In terms of organization, what is the first thing... Read More

Clutter is Postponed Decisions?

Do you ever sit down at your desk buried in... Read More

Common Clutter Culprits- How to Bust Through Clutter

Paper1. You may already be in the habit of filing... Read More

Organization Tips - How to Set Up Your Database

What's in a Name?Everything.What do you do with all the... Read More

Tired of Endless Chores and To-Dos? Stop Running Around in Circles and Enjoy Life Again

Do you feel like you are running around in circles,... Read More

Organizing - Time is of the Essence!

What does "time" have to do with getting organized? Everything!... Read More

Clutter Is Natural

Nature loves clutter. Just think of all the stuff that... Read More

The Five Ways To Ease The Process Of Eliminating Clutter

I recently had a conversation with a friend about clutter.... Read More

Finish in Style - Organizing Works!

One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More

How Clutter Chases Money Away

Have you ever heard that having a cluttered home can... Read More

25 Tips and Tricks for an Organized Move

Worried because you're moving soon? This really doesn't have to... Read More

Can You Really Improve Your Organisation Skills

I'm sure most of you have heard of Zig Ziglar... Read More

Spring Cleaning

Spring is such a refreshing time- we are filled with... Read More

7 Little Things That You Can Do to Organize the Kids Rooms

1. Sink to their level. Get on your knees in... Read More

The Top 10 Habits of Organized People

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to have... Read More

Letting Go Of Your Excuses

At this point, you have probably run across some belongings... Read More

Be More Productive at Work: Avoid These Eight Traps

Obviously, productivity involves producing. Producing widgets, events, reports, sales. The... Read More

Simplify Your Life! No Really...Simplify Your Life!

We hear it every day."Buy this product, and simplify your... Read More

10 Minute Tricks to Help You Get Organized

Whoever thought you'd be able to get organized in just... Read More

Escaping The Clutter Trap? - 5 Steps For Increasing Productivity And Decreasing Stress

? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More

How Clutter Affects Your Love Life

Clutter in any area of your home is a sign... Read More

The Clutter Factor: From Packrativity to Productivity

? Are you embarrassed when you walk into your home... Read More

How Can I Deal With It All?

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have a to-do list a mile... Read More

It?s Spring Cleaning Time? Let?s Make Room For Abundance!

I gathered some things you can do this spring while... Read More

Spruce Your Environment, Spruce Your Spirit

After a long winter, this is the time of year... Read More

Memorabilia -- Use It or Lose It!

What do you do with those special items that have... Read More

How Much Is Your Time Worth?

Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More

9 Simple Strategies for Home Organization

Home organization means being able to find your stuff when... Read More

10 Common Roadblocks to Getting Organized

1. All or nothing thinking/taking on too much." I'm going... Read More

10 Organizing Tips for Road Warrior Parents

Parenting is always a challenge, but particularly so if your... Read More

Family Management Tip #2: Choosing the Right Organizer for Your Family

What method do you currently use to organize your family?... Read More

Saying Goodbye to Stacks of Paper and Distractions

A daily journal will save you time, reduce stress and... Read More

How to Prevent Piles of Paper!

If you have piles of paper all over your desk,... Read More