I Solved the Paper Clutter Problem!

I never thought I'd share how I've eliminated paper clutter with a simple paper organization system, but here we go! This system that works so well for me came from what I learned from ‪@TheMinimalMom‬ and ‪@Clutterbug‬ in our course, Take Your House Back!
Get the course here: aslobcomesclea...
As I mentioned in the video, here's the great comment from last week's video about the course: "The 'Take Your House Back' program is worth every single dollar…& the value my family & I have received from it…well…how much is peace of mind, feelings of ease, & a calm contentment worth?
It’s kind of crazy, but I feel like I had been holding my breath for some time & can now slowly exhale. (And you guys, it had nothing to do with the dust levels here! Lol!)
As I don’t use Facebook, I wondered if that would make the program feel lacking in some way….Nope! I had no 'Fear Of Missing Out' at any time. It was a complete program regardless of my lack of Facebook abilities.
I also follow Cas & Dawn as well (& have for some time) which made me wonder if I’d see, hear, or learn anything new…Oh yeah! The combination of all 3 working together, bouncing ideas off each other, tackling real issues 'right in front of me' was a completely different experience!
There are too many 'best parts' to single out…A definite worthy spend!"
Here's my affiliate link to the hanging file baskets: amzn.to/3y17GpE

[@sariahsue]

I have to tell you something. I bought your course for my mother. We watched your five-step decluttering video last night. Today, out of nowhere, she decluttered at least two bags of stuff. No mess all over the house. So fast that I didn't realize she'd done it until it was over. I know she gets tired and overwhelmed easily, but she wasn't either of those things with method. So THANK YOU!

[@DanaKWhite]

Oh my word, I love this!! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@tanyapearce8612]

Thank you so much for this idea

[@shannonelliott9230]

Yep, Dana's methods changed my life!

[@Clutterbug]

Love this!!! Vertical paper storage for the win!

[@OldLadyBakes]

🥰

[@Barb.....]

❤️

[@gillianmcquarrie2829]

It's like having a new lease on life

[@angelweengz]

Yes Cas! Vertical is visual 😁

[@okashi10]

Yes! I need vertical and visual!

[@shellipagel3488]

Something that helps me with paper and scheduling is doing a monthly life admin day. Each month I set aside some time to look at all the things that are happening in the next month, make note of any cards or gifts I need to buy, get ride of any paperwork from the previous month I no longer need, do any shredding, and review any of my goals that I set for myself for the year and see what I need to put on my monthly to-do list. So glad you found a paperwork system that works for you! Cass has been someone I follow for years and years now, she is the main reason why I am as organized as I am.

[@briannab5296]

Love this!

[@bcfriardoyle7697]

Me too. I use the 15th. I review any tax items too! 😃

[@janiewilliams5803]

Thanks for sharing this. I keep paper fairly organized on a daily basis but struggle w/ making a time to "maintain" the paper I have kept. ( It is easy to put something in a to- be- filed spot, but then not get around to filing it.) Maybe I should consider monthly, as you suggest, as weekly seems too often.

[@Linzerita]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@johndoe-cr3eu]

I do this also. David Allen in Getting Things Done refers to these planning sessions. They say that each amount of time spent planning results in 10 times the savings in execution. So by just spending an hour planning, I can save ten hours in doing. I get a gain of 9 free hours!!!!

[@chrisjordan9718]

I feel like I was the "queen" of paper clutter. When we decided to downsize our home which we had lived in for 37 years to become snowbirds it literally took me weeks of almost full time work to go through and toss or shred. I had 43 years of tax returns. It gives you confidence to go on to the next problem area. Thanks for your encouragement in decluttering all the things. I have followed Cass for many years and Dawn for several years but your method/style of move it now- don't leave a bigger mess "clicked" with me.

[@amyrugg2540]

Ok having a yearly folder is genius… that way after a year you know it’s pretty much garbage or needs filed. For example a receipt I might need if my heater doesn’t work, offers you might use this year, annual things such as yearly club info, Anything that would be garbage after a year but you might use.

[@carynwood9158]

My system 1. I walk by the outside recycling can from the mailbox to the front door everytime I check the mail. 2. I make a date to clear my Sunday basket at least once a week. 3. My shredder is plugged and ready without getting out of my chair. 4. Papers we must keep go into a fabric covered box on a shelf above my chair. I just stand, pop it in, get on with my life.

[@alicejump2290]

As a social worker now retired I have files that were required to be kept secured for 10yrs. Now I can shred them, but I feel conflicted, I am telling myself the work is done and clients have moved on,. There will still be documentation that services were provided from billing, just not individual notes! Time to let it go! My current paper piles are more involved with my own needed documentation! Going to use broad categories for today’s mail and leave other accumulated mail for next rainy day!

[@allisonmiller3148]

I’m currently listening to your book “Decluttering at the speed of life” it is so good and motivating and you are so funny. I’m truly soaking it in and enjoying every bit of it.

[@Fiery154]

I got it too. It’s like listening to her KZbin stuff without a need to watch it with your eyeballs. So I can clean while listening

[@newwife777]

This book is AMAZING. Down to earth, relatable, easy to follow!!!

[@lifechangesandnewbeginning2254]

Me too :)

[@olivemaycards]

The three of you working together is really great - I have taken elements from each of you that make sense for my life. I like that you don’t all approach things the same way and that you’ve taken each other’s ideas and adapted them for your own lives.

[@pamelagroves2142]

I THINK THIS ONE IS GONNA WORK!!! 🎉 Oh my, I can feel the relief already.👏👏👏

[@LorreneRomanic]

I have been using a rectangular basket as a "Time Will Tell" bin after seeing Dawn talk about it earlier this year. It's nice to have a place to put catalogs, etc. that I'm not sure that I'm done using. And then when I go through it, it's pretty easy to declutter since I haven't used the papers in so long. I have tried so many methods for dealing with paper clutter over the years. I'm getting much closer than I've ever been, but still not paper-clutter-free.

[@olivemaycards]

That idea helps me so much too! So many things I would leave out thinking I might need to look at them, but now I just put them in the time will tell pile. I don’t even have a bin yet and it still works.

[@oatssettle846]

I am with you. We are steps closer though.

[@24carrotgold8]

This video was really helpful. I am not struggling with kitchen, bathroom, clothing or crafts. But I have boxes and bins of decades old papers. I have filing cabinets and a 36 shelf literature organizer. I am a bee 🐝. Starting with the 3 vertical, visual categories will help me tackle the aged papers 🤪🥴

[@Yeshuafollowercathy]

I totally agree with the sort it straight away, I was terrible for not sorting envelopes because I didn't want to have to tear the plastic windows out to put them in the paper recycling - I researched it and found out today - I don't have to! They can go straight in, that's reducing my paper clutter instantly. I'm ridiculously happy over such a tiny thing that everyone else probably already knows.

[@CurveTheRain]

Plastic is allowed in the paper recycling stream?

[@Yeshuafollowercathy]

@@CurveTheRain I know, it seems wrong to me too but it's on my council's website where it tells you what you can and cannot put in each bin.

[@Yeshuafollowercathy]

@@CurveTheRain I know, it seems wrong to me too but it's on my council's website where it tells you what you can and cannot put in each bin.

[@azlizzie]

My recycling bin is right next to the door that I walk through on the way in from checking the mail. I have more practice identifying junk mail, but my spouse is learning to throw stuff away before letting it enter the kitchen too. Considering how to reduce the friction further, I kinda want to put my shredder next to the recycle bin. Make it even easier to get rid of sensitive paper trash.

[@marilynmay6510]

Thank you Dana! It’s good to hear that you are learning from Dawn and Cass. I’ve heard each of them refer to you too. I am so grateful that all of you are teaching all of us how to do what you do. Keep it up, I’m looking forward to what you share in the future. ❤️

[@emmelia-6068]

Yay Dana! Thank you for going through this! Over the past 8 months you 3 ladies (your books, videos, and course) have changed my home so much for the better. I went through the old (like, 20 years old) file cabinet and ditched the many bulging "to file" folders. No more "to file" folders! They're nothing more than Procrastination Stations. Now I limit what makes it from the mailbox into the kitchen, open everything, and from there have only four categories to put away: an "action" file, a "home improvements" file, a "taxes" file, and a cute basket for "time will tell." Making things easy to put away has been key for me with paper and with everything else in the house. 10 thumbs up! :-D

[@emmelia-6068]

forgot to say... we do have permanent files for each vehicle, permanent family records (marriage license etc), house documents (current loan, title insurance, all that other stuff), and rental property stuff. The four categories ("action" and so on) are just what I deal with every day.

[@dawnbyland7568]

I agree this step. Since i use my tablet

[@delmahockett1747]

Dana! Thank You for suggesting to take a picture of a space, work on it for 5 minutes then take a picture to see the progress! Working on being determined Delma instead of dilemma!😀

[@midlife_minimalist]

It’s a great approach for email too to keep your inbox clean. I don’t get much paper mail anymore after taking a lot of steps to just stop it from coming but some of it now comes through email

[@carolgeorge6409]

@midlife. I too have taken time to STOP a lot of the incoming junk mail. Wow worth taking a few minutes to Return to sender REMOVE NAME AND ADDRESS !!!! Or call credit offers and stop

[@locaolive2515]

I trully cannot believe it has been a year since I've started decluttering my house. The concept of the container and your videos of your steps through to having less, along with the ideas of not pulling everything out and that better is good were like an apokalypse to me and have changed my life. Thank you for sharing with us your tips. I love your videos of decluttering at the speed of life and that you seem genuine.

[@lindseykipp9175]

Thank you Dana. For giving me hope that I can tame my paper tiger. It's a looming lifetime Sabre Toothed Tiger that I specifically avoid often. I too need vertical storage, and this feels doable. Like, I CAN DO THIS! And maybe a Duh in there too. Sharing your struggle gives me faith that this could actually work for my life too. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🙏❤🌻

[@Catbooks]

This topic strikes fear deep in my soul. I've made it over 2 minutes in and had to take a break. But, since you thought you'd never be able to do it, that gives me hope. I'll watch the rest but feel like I'll need a few glasses of wine to do it. Here goes.

[@GratefulDeb270]

OMG ... A NEW BOOK! I'm so excited! Time to pre-order "Organizing for the Rest of Us"!!! Woohoo!!! Thank you!

[@mariahwilson6505]

I am going to try this - Dana doesn’t get excited about many strategies unless she has tried it and found it works in real life for her so that gives me hope!

[@vivianhudacek1556]

Have watched you, Cass, & Dawn for awhile now. I always enjoy the videos. I also have your books. Paper is the absolute bane of my existence! Thanks for another good video.

[@beckyshell4649]

I have a large 3 ring binder to keep my papers in. It has sections for different categories . When I get open mail I get my stapler my 3 hole paper punch and trash can plus a clipboard. My keep papers go into the binder newest to the front of its category and any junk mail I am keeping such as restaurant coupons go on the clipboard. When the new batch of coupons comes in the old ones get trashed. Around February I go through the binder and trash the old stuff I don't need and put the important things in a folder in my filing cabinet.

[@blueseptember2174]

Very neat idea

[@shannonelliott9230]

You helped me get a handle on my mail, so much! I mean, I worked at the Post Office, but I still needed you to tell me to throw out my junk mail! Thank you, Dana. It was years ago now. Love your ministry.

[@jillstover8782]

I do mail everyday! Junk,bill,yr, yr goes into safe w/ tax things, junk straight to trash, bill goes into my planner when due and done! Enjoy you and dawn! Learning lotta info and my house is showing it💯👌🏻

[@aprilcampbell1075]

I love this video, I am also a butterfly and it is so good to see examples. Thank you Dana!!

[@Kristemamber81]

For real, you're changing my life. I've needed your recommendations and ideas for so long! I'm chipping away at things and feeling so much better about my house.

[@amymeyersieck]

Way to go, Dana! I know you were reluctant to follow Cas’s suggestions so seeing YOU embrace it makes it seem doable to me. Thank you for sharing!

[@marym346]

I can't just have 3 categories for permanent paper. I have a file for our house, my husband's shop, each vehicle, insurance claims (which I delete when fully resolved unless it's for a vehicle or major issue), warranty paperwork for everything divided into individual categories (tools, kitchen stuff, major appliances, etc.), and a few more. Yes, I am a Cricket, with Butterfly tendencies when it's sentimental stuff. Mostly, I don't want to see it, but I want to know it's there and where it is.

[@ethelrobinson7920]

This literally has me in tears!!!!!! Dana you are so appreciated and I thank you from the fullness of my heart!! This is totally doable!!!! I purchased your book “How to Manageyour home without losing your mind” I’m on my 2nd time through and implementing both your decluttering questions and…. I adopted your laundry routine (Monday - one day for laundry)!! Both are Life Changing!! Thank you for being such a great version of yourself, being who God called you to be and doing what you were called to do!!

[@chrystaltuckness5298]

Completely off topic, but I love that blue on you! It brings out your beautiful eyes!

[@HoneyQueenHarmon]

This is the absolute best solution for paper! Thank you DKW! Honestly, I don’t mean to gush but this 3 folder system has literally changed my kitchen space, office space and head space. So simple but I wasn’t doing this and I had only “organized piles” that weren’t serving our family. And you’re right, most mail gets tossed so this system just separates the good stuff. Great job. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@FebbieG]

I almost clicked away near the end, in order to move on to a Clutter Bug video, but then I remembered that Reid does the editing and has the best credits, so of course I finished the video so I could see his happy snark. Now I'm off to learn more about getting my house under more control before this baby comes in a couple months! Thanks. :)

[@gingerstrahan7464]

You may be a little bit too much like me, so I keep resisting you/your style. That said, you are truly talking to me in this video. As I watch/listen to you, I am getting more and more onboard. Just finished watching, and now I am listening again so you are in my head/conscienceness as I try once again to get paper under control. Having spent a great deal of my life as an office administrator/go-to pro, I became severely depressed and overwhelmed that I have been unable to succeed at this in my home. Thanks for posting this SPECIFIC video. I have already watched your blonde twins for their take on the subject. For some reason, you woke me on this one 🥰😍❤️‼️

[@renasorensen9586]

This was life changing. 😂😂 I have watched a bunch of videos on paper clutter to get ideas… but the strategies weren’t fully working. You solved my problem with this video. I put my files behind a cabinet door but I am maintaining it after a month! No more paper clutter on the counter!

[@GeeBee111]

Thank you Dana for your incredible insight! I just found your podcast and am currently listening to Epidode 296... talking to Cindy about her move from a 3500 sq ft home into a 1000 ft space. I'm 65 and this will be me next year! I am using your 5 minute and container rules to start the process. Instead of feeling depressed and anxious, I am so looking forward to changing the way I have been living and getting rid of all of this crap I have been accumulating. You are an inspiration and my new guardian angel!

[@elizabethcallihan9971]

I. Struggle. With. Paper. But one thing really helped me was getting one pretty folder just for"INVESTMENTS". I guess most people keep track of that stuff online but mine gets mailed to me every quarter and now I just keep the most recent one and get rid of the big pile that used to be on my desk. Also, just one folder for "receipts", instead of one for the power company, one for the gas company, one for the insurance company....

[@mellowsunshine2724]

Clark Howard always says to have a paper statement of your latest financials in case of a terrible hack to the bank and your accounts get deleted. This way you have proof for the government to make you whole again with your money at that specific bank. Please people always keep a hard copy of your latest numbers, banking and investments!

[@kathleengarness1660]

One thing I am learning about myself is that doing things in small increments feels better than sitting down with a huge pile of stuff and powering through. I am also a visual person, and out of sight is out of mind! Since I run three home-based businesses, there is a lot of paperwork to deal with. I have a similar system as you where I have a designated place for mail, where it's sorted into action items and wait and see. The action items are filed in my current year archive after they're dealt with. But then I still have to balance my checkbooks, update Quicken, and shred unnecessary paperwork that's over 7 years old (tax reporting requirements to keep). And keep those records somewhere safe. I'd love you to speak to some kind of subroutine about these activities - thanks!

[@ginamcdonald7854]

I’m getting ready to order your books! I’ve been in the course since January 1st and I’ve gotten some things working better, but still need an occasional push, or basically the courage to just throw it out and not feel guilty. Paper is a definite struggle here, and this looks like a good system, just need to decide where it should go that’s convenient and I won’t forget it’s there to keep me on time with bill paying!!! My ADD gets worse as I get older and a stressful job doesn’t help! I have 6 days of time off coming up, and hopefully will stay focused and make more progress! Thanks for all of your helpful tips!

[@hopemcatee7068]

I got Dana's books on audible so I can listen and declutter at the same time. It's been great. Love Take Back your House course

[@lnwmelon]

I just want to say that this helped me a LOT. Thank you for sharing what works for you. I've watched the Taking Your House videos about paper organizing and I still felt overwhelmed. Somehow this was how I needed it explained.

[@nurturingnomad2321]

Dude! I freaking toss out all the junk mail at the mail box. I’m totally Paperless on EVERYTHING! I have separate folders in my email, so as emails come in, I move them into their designated folders. I have apps for all my bills, so I get the notifications of when bills are due. I designate 1 day a quarter to go through EVERYTHING. I have a container in my mud room that is for things that need to be shredded. When it’s full, it goes to the UPS Store for shredding, typically a day we pickup dry cleaning, grocery shopping, etc cuz it’s all in the same shopping plaza. I have a synced calendar. I assign things with alarms and reminders for other household members when they should address certain items. I’m not afraid to throw things away. If I know there’s a digital copy available somewhere, bye!

[@micheledryden1057]

I appreciate your great advice on decluttering paper!! I made a dedicated paper box that has vertical file folders with various categories. I've taken deep breaths and plunged into paperwork from 2-8 YEARS ago!!! I feel a huge sense of relief; peace; freedom; and accomplishment! Thanks for helping me carve out a new life from clutter. Smiles...

[@EmilyHercamp17]

Love you Reid! We all have those kind of weeks! Hang in there man! 🏈😊

[@sct4040]

I use accordion file folders (like the ones lawyers use), to file my hubby’s medical doctor’s insurance statements and his copay receipts. I staple each receipt with the statement.

[@pjpeace]

I’ve been doing the Sunday Basket (Minimal Mom had it on a video or two). The book “The Paper Solution” by the same lady is great for people like us too. I’ve been in the process of moving and sadly totaled my car (taking donations to the thrift store from decluttering and something fell looked down for a second to move it back and rear ended someone. They just put a new stop light up on a road I don’t go much or I would have been slowing down 😭) but had all my important documents and check book to find easily to do all insurance paperwork.

[@salishheights2320]

Lol @ your brain finally getting used to looking at it. Totally get that! I'm a little afraid my brain would get TOO used to looking at it and it would become more unused clutter, now clogging up free wall space! But I love how you combined your brain function's needs with Cass' categories and Dawn's spin. I think you've prob nailed it exactly how I need to do it, too!

[@karie-r2843]

I was just thinking of this very thing today. Thank you.

[@hookandstonecreations1229]

I bought your books, "Decluttering at the speed of life" and "How to manage your home without losing your mind" Our house has been like a storage unit that keeps collecting and collecting. After a couple weeks of working through reading uour books and watching videos, My husband and I have successfully cleaned out the bedroom downstairs that became the catch all room and we moved two of the boys down to that room and moved our 5 year old daughter out of our room and in with our youngest boy in the room the three boys have shared for 7 years. It was fine when they were little but the two oldest boys (teenagers) need their own space. We have a huge pile to donate and are loading up the car tonight and making a trip to the nearest town (1 1/2 hours away) that has places where we can drop things off. We'll plan monthly trips with big loads and go to multiple places on each trip because i dontthink any one place would accept so much stuff all at once. Lol Thankyou so much for sharing your knowledge! Sorry for the super long comment but I'm getting excited, i sold my grandparents record player this morning that has been sitting in the basement , have a pile of computers to donate to the school, etc. This feels so freeing to lighten the load of stuff that we've had taking up so much space. I hope to eventually be able to use the walkout basement for a second livingroom and library. The piles are 6' high with a 2' path down the middle right now so it might take awhile...

[@dawnhadden3116]

I am so happy I found your channel… You are a hoot

[@sandrahayes9578]

I've watched Cas and now you! Y'all make a great team! Thank you!

[@Staceyssewingnest]

I really wish I could sign up for the course but it’s just not in the budget right now. I have read & love your books & Cas’s books too. I follow all 3 of you on here & social media & can’t even begin to tell you how much you all have helped me. I’m slowly but surely taking control of my house & it feels amazing!!!

[@eahuebner1]

I did PayPal pay in four to space out the cost. It really motivated me to work hard for the six weeks between the first and last payments.

[@Staceyssewingnest]

@@eahuebner1 - thank you so much. I might check it out. Trying to help watch our pennies right now. ;).

[@mizzezjones]

I heard that they are offering a payment plan directly

[@Pamela-B]

When I get the mail I toss the junk in the recycling bin before I even get into the house. I don’t even look at it. My husband doesn’t do this and it drives me nuts but I love him anyway…& we’re working on it..

[@Happyandfree67]

Same here 👍

[@pennypowell249]

I am like your husband. I always have to open up the mail because there are often items in the envelopes that are not recyclable, like stickers (Human Society), return mailing labels (St. Jude's), and faux credit cards (all the CC companies). It makes me crazy that he doesn't recycle properly when our planet is a dumpster fire, but, I too, love my husband anyway. ; D

[@katie7748]

​@pennypowell249 Sorry to burst your bubble but recycling is a big, fat $cam. Look into it. It's quite disappointing.

[@arashy]

You’re my decluttering guru, and Cas is my organizing guru. You two have helped me to help myself and others. THANKS!

[@eahuebner1]

Do it! The course changed our home and stress level. I had a room of doom and a basement that seemed impossible to tackle. The room of doom is now my daughter's bedroom and we moved her out of our room at 3.

[@shelliebean]

Paper clutter is the one area I haven’t struggled too much with over the last few years (because most of it gets thrown out within the first 60 seconds of walking in the door), but I don’t have an organization system outside of my filing cabinet. I like yours! Signed up for your course…I can’t wait!!! I’ve made a start based on inspiration from your books/videos and Dawn’s videos, but I’m done with the easy stuff and struggling to continue. I’m so excited to dig into all the new material provided, and eventually make it into Cas’ organizing systems. No organization methods I’ve tried have ever worked - combination of having too many things, and just really not having the discipline (or care) to make sure everything makes it back to its specific place, folded up just right so that it looks like a magazine ad. I’m ready for macro solutions I can keep up on!

[@marshaburrows8714]

You are so right! I have LOVED the Take Your House Back course! I was using the information from the leaders before but it really is another level. I can't say enough about it...and yes, this system has solved my paper problem too. 😁

[@spiderqueen601]

Did this two weeks ago and it solved a lifelong clutter problem! I organized ALL the piles in my home into those 3 categories and threw a ton away.

[@brendapearce8473]

My desk is my most cluttered spot and these ideas really helped. I will put them to work right away. Thank you!

[@summawub]

All three of you are so great together. You each have different and valuable ideas and approaches. I can't believe you don't have more subscribers. You need more subscribers!

[@trinidiana]

I agree. They are the best and should have millions of subscribers lol

[@mssixty3426]

Thank you Dana, I have hope for gaining control of paperwork!

[@rebeccab_bwlt]

I will add my voice to the chorus of happy TYHB participants! I joined in late December, have worked the program consistently through the spring, did the all-day declutter 5/1, am SO looking forward for the chance to do it again on 9/18, and I'm THRILLED to say that while I'm astonished at just how far I still have to go (I can see clearly now...), overall things feel MANAGEABLE and so. much. easier than they did before. I loved both of Dana's books and follow all three women here on YT, and they've introduced me to other great folks through their content that I'm really enjoying. Cannot recommend it enough (and I'm not normally someone who does these kind of courses. I just felt that big universe NUDGE that I needed this one, and I'm so glad I was paying attention).

[@DanaKWhite]

I love hearing this!!!

[@danielleb6064]

I just got my vertical file delivered today, put it on the wall, and started sorting piles of papers into it!! It's been 5 hours and I'm already in love

[@kathrynarnold1966]

I love it when I hear you credit which other blogger you heard something from...and I hate it when I hear one of them use your terms for different things without crediting you for originating the term/concept. I think this system as you have it may work for me!

[@Mushkiepotamus]

Someone clicked THUMBS DOWN???? It must have been a mistake - I recently instituted the 1) only I get the mail and sort immediately and 2) minimalist file categories (NOW- action needed within the next 7 days. i go thru my NOW file every week so if action is needed before the 7 days, I take the action right now. MAYBE (it’s the wait and see file- I go thru that file at least once a month), LATER (this is for recipients for taxes, manuals and warranty paperwork, items that need to be taken to the safe deposit box. I will go thru this file once a year at tax time and declutter any manuals/warranty at that time) But now that re-read that- I am going to put items that need to go to safe deposit box into the NOW file so they can get there as soon as possible. I live in The Villages FLORIDA and we each Village had their own postal station at our neighborhood pool where all the mailboxes are- we don’t get mail delivered to our individual homes. Each day we get an email showing us what is being delivered into our mailbox. So if I KNOW I won’t have time to sort the mail immediately, I don’t go pick up the mail that day. When i do go get the mail, I sort right at our postal station, tossing any junk mail that has no financially sensitive info. Then with the remaining mail, if any, I go right to my files and have a paper shredder right there and sort my mail. When I lived in a home that had mail delivery directly to my home, I had a 4th very thin SORT file. I didn’t let more than 2 days go by without going thru the SORT file. And I totally agree - start using a DAILY paper management, regardless of the system, BEFORE decluttering the MOUNTAINS of paperwork!! You won’t know the perfect system for you until you implement a system and work it, tweak it, modify it or scrap it for another but work a system at least for a good period of time.

[@tiffanycarpenter6175]

Yesss! I struggle with having too many micro-categories!

[@brendatomlinson]

Dana, I got the same metal organizer and put behind a door so it isn’t visible! Cas is my organizing guru, and you and I are both butterflies. I’m reading Decluttering and am so glad I found you.

[@oatssettle846]

Dana, I am thrilled you have conquered the paper clutter. My brain mirrors yours, and as I have found some system, it's still in transition. I am so hopeful to tackle past clutter with the success you have had. This has been my thorn my whole life. However, I am hopeful.🤞

[@aprilcampbell1075]

And I love Reid's comments at the end!!!

[@jenniferlancaster7040]

I’ve been thinking about the course but I just broke my arm and had surgery. 😕 another time. I did make a Sunday box from Dawn and it helps. The key is setting a weekly time to deal with it. I read your books too and they’ve helped so much. A friend asked if I’d help her so I’m paying it forward. She texted me the next day that it was so nice to walk into a clean kitchen. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kathyengland3534]

Well said, Dana. You explain the process so well. Thank you!

[@mrik7868]

Oh my gosh Dana, thanks so much for this video! How did I not see this sooner, guess I just missed it. I've tried to watch the video about paper in the Take Back Your House course three times now. The thought of dealing with paper overwhelms me (I have SOOO MUCH), so every time, I can only watch for a few minutes then I have to stop and I haven't finished it yet. Your video was a great starter for me on this subject and has encouraged me to also go back and watch the TBYH video all the way through. Thank you for all that you do!

[@annlink8265]

Preach it Sister! Great video that really helped me identify areas where I struggle.... PAPER!!!!

[@susanhensley2038]

Dana, this is Sunday night after Christmas.....I have a goal of getting rid of 10 boxes of paper!!!! By New Years!!!! I am down to 4 using the tools I learned from your team....but I needed to hear this! This is likely the 3rd time I've watched this video....it has finally kicked in!!! Thank you!

[@JayeEllis]

You also have to add 'paper' somewhere on your regular tasks list. It's Fridays for me. I put on a video, go through the week's mail (pre-sorted out the junk at the door), pay the bills, and file (or shred) everything. I also have a 'wait and see' file. I'm totally adding a 'this year' file, though. That will make tax season so much easier!

[@stacycook82]

I'm going to use this, but add a 4th for school paperwork😊

[@MinimalMadonna]

Has it worked for you?

[@cassandrageorge4921]

Dana, you look great! The Sunday basket has been a lifesaver for us. The difference in our house is CRAZY! Thank you for sharing your videos. 💕

[@ThKiwi]

I’ve loved all the things I’ve learned from the course!! We already had a paper system in place but my meal planning and shopping was a hot mess and it’s now fairly streamlined and oh my word the difference in our kid toy storage and my laundry room is mind blowing.

[@cinderellafan362436]

Thanks for this excellent video! Butterfly here too and this system looks like it just might work for me also. I have tried all sorts of ways over the years but nothing really “worked” for me, especially with horizontal systems. Loved Reid’s comments. Be blessed! ❤️

[@CB-jh1pt]

I have similar folders in my email inbox, too! (It’s more difficult to remember to do the “action” ones once they’re in their folder though, but it sometimes motivates me to deal with the them then and there as clicking a button is fairly easy…)

[@kimstewart147]

Love this. Easy access. Easy put away. Love it. I’m going to do this. Thank you!

[@barbarakandel2790]

This is genius!!! Simple and super functional! I love this system! Great video, Dana!!! Reid! 😂😂

[@RevDiscarnateEntity]

Thank you Dana, your declutter strategy has been amazing. You totally get the creative clutter mindset. I laughed out loud when I saw your t-shirt /pillow case clutter in the master bedroom declutter video. That is me! I have old mini skirts to turn into gorgeous glove cuffs. We creatives can easily see a hundred ways to use the things that normal people classify as complete rubbish. Thank you. I have got rid of two bags for rubbish/recyling, two boxes of donations for the animal rescue centre charity shop and things are starting to sort themselves out. I have your mantra in my head…Do the dishes. Do a five minute pick up. Thank You from a fellow messy creative ❤️😀👍

[@janethunt4037]

Oddly enough, I've been working on my paper organization for a week, (Well, not counting the years I've spent working on it.) My solution is different from yours, but easy and convenient are definitely the keys to success. And finding what works for you is so true!!!!

[@laurat7324]

I love your videos. Your style feels like visiting with a friend!

[@paulaharvill8132]

Love your take on the Sunday basket. The vertical storage would work for my husband.

[@FlowerPowerWV]

What then do we do with important paper from past years, like documents from the IRS or medical items?

[@amma7244]

And my “bin” is vertical as in magazine holder with a clip on it. Your take your house back course taught me all this. Thank you!!!!

[@kelliefollett1547]

I sort on the way from the mailbox. Can even drop things straight into our recycling bin before coming into the house. Makes a huge difference.

[@LLpeacenluv]

Incoming mail. Okay I’ll try this but adjusting category names for my adhd brain. -To do = Action -Wait & See?! would quickly become a vertical Doom Pile lol so that’s “PENDING” - 2023 nope = KEEP to Tax file this! Like take it there now (or Trash if it’s trash a month later or whenever the basket is full lol) Vertical visible is my best secret weapon 😊

[@jessicabrown6943]

Love it!! I also love the course. The live all day declutters are THE BEST!!!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

I've pre-order your new book. Thank you for changing my life.

[@Samus419]

Reid, I love that you kept in the random "yup" at 12:57!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

Y'all

[@sherryyost786]

Thanks for your videos Dana. I so appreciate you. We think a lot a like and it is helpful to me to hear my thoughts bounced back at me.

[@jceberle2724]

Thanks, Dana. I watched Dawn describe this but you have driven it home, and I’m setting this up today.

[@michaelfay9051]

Dana you are terrific! I signed up for the course but was disappointed that there does not seem to be an option to sign others up as a gift. It would be great added motivation I think to do it together with friends, siblings, kids, any others who have expressed similar needs & interest. Thanks

[@michaelfay9051]

I did find where to sign others up as a gift at the bottom of the course overview - should have known you'd be on it. :)

[@DanaKWhite]

Oh good! I was just checking back to let you know!! I'm glad you found it!

[@brittanykirkpatrick3616]

I need to start a channel about how to do this stuff WITH kids...not around or behind kids but with them. With multiple ADD brains in the house, homeschooling, and self-employed, I realized how critical systems were to our success. There are a lot of things we are winning at, but paper is NOT one of them (yet) so I'm searching for tactics. But in the process of brainstorming and researching tactics, I'm realizing how far ahead of the game we are as a crazy busy family of 6.

[@gabs190]

Dana, I bought the course. I’m excited and going to finish it. Its what I need! I almost didn’t buy it bc I didn’t want to disappoint myself. I don’t keep promises to myself and I am in total LOSER-VILLE right now… so, I will loop back and let you know how it goes. Thanks for all you do!

[@swrigley9861]

I've thought for years you must be a "butterfly"! Thank you for confirming it. Glad you finally found the right system to manage your paper. 😁