FINALLY Tackling My PAPER CLUTTER | Declutter + Organize With Me

Welcome back, today we’re tackling the topic of paper clutter! How to effectively declutter it and how to organize it in a simple + logical way!
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[@AshlynneEaton]

What's your favorite tip or trick to organize paper clutter? 🤍

[@budgetrebelgoals]

Idk 😭😭

[@AshlynneEaton]

Hopefully this one can help then!

[@ourtubesocks]

I have all my bills come digitally.

[@Beccajoy9]

Using an accordion file. So I can separate by type.

[@susie7336]

Throw it out.

[@JOANAS30]

I've had my paper clutter organised for years, but I still loved to watch this video and found it super relaxing. I'll leave a tip for possible files: 1. Documents related to your identification; 2. Documents related to your house; 3. Documents related to finances; 4. Documents related to bills; 5. Documents related to health; 6. Documents related to school and certificates; 7. Extra documents that don't have a specific category. Love your videos

[@sbazeghi]

Will you do one on sentimental and keepsake paperwork and storage?

[@ilona8415]

Last month I threw away more than 35 thick notebooks and 4 folders with my foreign languages studies (useful expressions, glosarios, notes on grammar etc). It was a hard decision, they were like sentimental clutter and, moreover, I'd been thinking...Well, one day I'll be brushing up all these. The problem is you don't have time and you continue accumulating more and more frases every day. Well.. I decided not to keep my new notes longer than a month. And don't worry if you won't be able to memorize them. Just enjoy the process of learning and take it easy 😃

[@simplyw_daniela9536]

I always get rid of unimportant mail as they come in that way I don’t let them pile up. I’ve also switched all my bills and medical insurance papers to receive them electronically and not by mail. That’s including our taxes. The only things I do keep are like our apartment lease, birth certificate, social security cards and our marriage certificate. Thanks for another vid. 🤍

[@alyssapfluger4236]

When going through that first step, I always take the time to contact any companies that send me promotional mail and magazines, to get off their mailing lists and save myself time in the future

[@HorsesAreTwo]

My husband and I just invested in a filing cabinet a few months ago! I loved going through and decluttering all the random papers we had accumulated over the years... our filing system is similar, but with separate folders for each vehicle/bank account. Helps to organize things a bit more for my extremely right-brained self!

[@anoushkaarmstrong7673]

you're so cute finding what you had being so much !!! what you had on your table would be one of my piles/ boxes or container with more categories, such as quotes, correspondence, stationary, pictures from magazines of things i love- what do you do with journals?? ........ !!! It's all the same principal though !

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

This took me wife and me about 3-4 months to finish (we have two young kids, making it hard to find the time). We now have only two folders left and everything is stored on a small NAS server and another harddrive, that is at my parents. The best thing: Now everything that comes into our home gets digitalized asap, and we can throw it away after that. A true game Changer!

[@sueskiing]

Can I ask how you digitalise all your paperwork, I’m keen to do this but trying to work out the best way to? Thanks

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

@@sueskiing We use the app swift scan

[@sueskiing]

@@ElBoyoElectronico ok I will check that app out, thanks 😀

[@bethanyhenderson8686]

Not too many people think about this but my dad owned a business in disaster repair for 35+ years. Tornado, fire, water damage, etc. and always taught us growing up (and advised everyone who asked about it)to keep important documents in a fire and waterproof place. Some older desks and cabinets are actually made this way, so he would go into an office and see a lot of their most important documents still sealed safely, while computers, harddrives, etc were melted or destroyed. I now live in an area prone to hurricanes and its second nature to have a place to keep these things safe. I’ve had to deal with just getting a new SS card before and that was a nightmare that took months, so I highly recommend investing in a small cabinet or storage/lock box that is fire and water proof for these documents ☺️

[@louiseash5705]

I've just bought a fire/flood proof bag for our documents after watching an erica Lucas video where she showed hers. I can't decide where to keep it though...I'd like it accessible so we could just grab it in in an emergency but also out of the way incase we were burgled!

[@HelenSch]

I did this last year it was a huge weight of my shoulder to know what papers I have and have them organized. Now I’m inspired to go over them again to see if I can declutter some more 😊

[@LiviLaree]

This video couldn't have come at a better time! I have had a pile of papers/folders with papers sitting in a box on my floor that I have been dreading going through. This has given me the motivation to finally go through it after 2 weeks of sitting by my desk ♡

[@xxflipchick22xx]

This was so satisfying to watch

[@madeline9042]

Hey Ashlynne, what do you do with your sentimental items? Most of my paper clutter includes old cards, journals, and personal art and poetry. There is just so much, but it's hard to cut down on it because it means so much to me! Thanks for your videos! Decluttering my paper items is actually my next house project.

[@jasminemoreau67]

I took a photo of old cards and such so I had a digital copy that wouldn’t get ruined in the long run. If you truly cannot part with some things like journal entry’s or cards, you can always frame them!

[@madeline9042]

Jasmine, great ideas! Thank you.

[@kristen2646]

What a beautiful system! It doesnt look officey at all 😀 We keep a House box, as invoices/paint swatches/samples used grow over time. Having a folder for each month of the year also allows us to easily tuck in future documents (concert tickets, travel info, and occasion cards). Love the content you create!

[@jessicaquiroz7178]

My suggestion when going through the paper clutter also have to boxes beside you, one for recycling and one for shredding. That way when you are done you just have to take each full box to it’s destination. And if after sorting through the piles and you find you can’t or don’t want to start organizing the rest of the papers, have paper clips or binder clips to put the categories together.

[@micheledryden1057]

I sort through my files every January and throw away/shred any unneeded items. This year I did a major purge and was able to donate a two drawer filing cabinet. I reorganized my greeting card collection so it's quick and easy to find and send a card for a variety of occasions. I also keep a Pending file so I'll know if/when we receive a tax refund, medical expense reimbursement, rebate, etc.

[@carolynbennett5102]

I'm still young and don't have many important papers, but I have some sentimental papers from school and freinds/family. I have limited myself to a binder, if it doesnt fit it's a sign that I dont need it or it's time for something else to go. My paper clutter mostly consists of awards, art and a few letters, I know I could scan them and keep them on my computer but the papers don't overwhelm me and being able to touch them brings me joy. I have decided I am going to do what brings me joy and create my own definition of what minimal means to me, not for what everyone else deems as being a "perfect minimalist."

[@AshlynneEaton]

That’s so awesome Carolyn!! 🤍

[@1x56]

For about 6+ months I've been sifting, scanning, labelling, shredding and recycling my hoarder mother's documents from 2009.... It worth knowing where all your sensitive documents are in your home and REGULARLY sorting through them! Data protection!

[@comfyera]

I love the chest where you keep all of your paper clutter! Paper clutter can be so overwhelming - thanks for making this video!

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh absolutely!! I totally understand that 🤍

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I think the problem with paper clutter is the fear that you’re afraid you may throw out something you may need to refer to later.

[@danielaaraujo6169]

I´m in college so paper clutter becomes overwhelming! Love your videos! Related to this... I'm curious about what do you with old notebook like your bullet journal or planner

[@AshlynneEaton]

I don’t keep old planners but I do like to keep my old art notebooks! 🤍

[@alicewild9343]

I'd suggest that you get a fire box storage file. They come in small sizes and are one time buys.

[@AshlynneEaton]

Thanks for the suggestion!!

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I bought one last year for our most important documents, ie. home ownership, wills, marriage certificate, birth certificates.....anything that would be difficult to replace.

[@LNelson882]

Did this over a year ago and I found creating 4 simple binders helped me; short term papers, long term papers, condo paper and info, and binder holding misc passwords gift cards, ID cards, coupons etc...

[@debrastewart6714]

Hello Ashlynne, thankyou for your tips and motivation also love your channel 😀🌟

[@moldypotatochip]

Every day when I bring the mail inside, I put the junk mail I want to recycle straight into the bin. Of course sometimes other stuff ends up not being important later on, but at least it helps reduce the amount of mail coming into my home.

[@MomijiFAndres]

Paper clutter accumulates so much for me. I get sent things and I tried to unsubscribe to junk mailing lists but it still shows up. Also its hard for older documents to know if I should keep it or not. Thank you for this video!

[@ktrudy1]

We go through our papers every year. ❤️

[@AshlynneEaton]

Love that!!

[@janelledelosreyes1208]

I was just going through my paper clutter this weekend! I want to help my mom out with hers when we can travel again. Thanks for the video!! I’ll be showing this to her 😊

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh what perfect timing!! That’s so awesome!!

[@ANASantos519]

I will do the same today!!!! 🙌🏻😊 Love from Portugal 🌹🇵🇹

[@carmenirizarry7632]

It is a daily chore!

[@budgetrebelgoals]

I so need this. Thank you!!

[@AshlynneEaton]

So glad to hear it!!

[@typosaidiloveya3853]

You have to do a minimalist makeup collection please ❤️

[@myxochi]

One cautionary tail - don’t assume all manuals are online

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

Great video

[@ILoveYouLordForeverAndEver]

My issue with hoarding mail is it has my name and address on it. I dont feel comfortable throwing it away. I actually want it shredded. Thats why i hold on to it and now i have bags and bags of mail that needs to be shredded :(

[@dp6442]

Hii ashlynne i am priya from India 🇮🇳 how are you? Hope you are doing well i love your videos 📹 😍 i am so addicted to your content Thank you so much for your beautiful explanation You made me to become a minimalist

[@jordanpattee3127]

What do you recommend for a college student? I have a lot of paper, and don’t want the clutter in such a small room.

[@joannatmathew9348]

Thank you so much for this video....

[@asianangel5400]

I'm in the process of decluttering paper clutter as well.

[@bigbearfishingadventures2932]

I'm curious what lighting you use in your videos?

[@AshlynneEaton]

For this one I just used natural light 😅

[@bigbearfishingadventures2932]

@@AshlynneEaton Thats what I thought.. I meant overall for all your videos; do you have a normal lighting set up or any specific lighting gear you use?

[@KatEvil1]

I like that you are using folders, but what about putting them in a fireproof safe?

[@AshlynneEaton]

Great idea!!

[@tamara435]

It's quite freeing to know that most of our paper clutter is unnecessary and / or can be digitized. Most of the papers we think we "need" are can be digitized and forgotten about for the most part. Keep it simple and keep it mostly paperless where possible! :)

[@StefanieAnna]

paper clutter is my biggest struggle. I have gotten rid of a lot but still have so much. I struggle with getting rid of a lot of my notes and coursework from my clinical doctorate because I paid 113k for those notes! But do I ever look at them anymore.....no. Such a mental struggle for me.

[@AhmetKaan]

“Change equals self-improvement. Push yourself to places you haven’t been before.” ―Pat Summitt

[@kaitlinbenz255]

I organize my paper clutter by scanning all my documents into my phone (you can do this in your notes app if you have an iPhone) and then uploading them to my Google Drive in folders.

[@azucenavarin4504]

I recently moved and got rid of boxes 📦 of paper clutter! It was bad!

[@feylights166]

I am a writer, so paper is definitely a thing in my life XD

[@scottalexander8052]

nice video!

[@AshlynneEaton]

Thanks Scott!!

[@Hanni-v8f]

❤️❤️

[@Its_thatgirl_leah]

Shredded paper is not recyclable here in Charlotte, NC.

[@AhmetKaan]

If you are reading this, you have the potential to achieve what you want to achieve. Yes. You.

[@Millenialknitting]

how were you able to have such a small file set up? Both of our mortgage paperwork used legal sized paper -_- I was able to find a small, but not as cute file organizer, it has ID, house, cars, pets, taxes and that's it.

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

Where in your house would you store this?

[@koko137591]

🖐🏼🙂

[@cathylynnpietranton]

👍👍

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

Ashlynne, last time was Valentine's Day and Presidents Day.

[@AshlynneEaton]

☺️

[@Love_Anne]

With three kids who love to draw, I'm constantly overwhelmed with paper clutter! They're very attached to their pictures making it hard to get rid of any. Any tips would be great!!

[@elizabethwagner7880]

I have a section of wall that I hang my daughter’s drawings on. When she wants to hang a new one I tell her first she has to choose one of the old ones to go in the recycling, or if it’s a particularly nice one I save it in a special spot.

[@Love_Anne]

@@elizabethwagner7880 that is such a good idea!! Thank you for sharing!

[@AshlynneEaton]

Elizabeth sharing such a great idea, but hopefully some of the ones in this video can help too! 🤍

[@carolynbennett5102]

I would get a binder for each kid, as they get older different things will be important to them and you will cycle out old papers as you introduce others. It will keep the papers organized while placing a limit on how much you keep.

[@Love_Anne]

@@AshlynneEaton yes!! Im sorry, I should have said that first!! Your video was super helpful for organizing important documents, I'm definitely going to have more confidence tackling my paper clutter with your tips in mind. I always find your videos so helpful and aesthetically pleasing.

[@princesschelsea1558]

Does anyone have tips for stopping junk mail, especially junk magazines? We don’t have a large mailbox, so they take up so much space. I try looking up their website and unsubscribing that way but it rarely actually works. We never even signed up for them haha

[@hallebroido2786]

Could you do a video on how you keep track of things for your business for tax purposes?

[@klovatobaby]

Loooove the video :-)

[@sharminrahman8038]

We have all our important documents - ssn cards, birth certificates, passports, marriage certificate, degrees, and title to our cars/home, in a separate zip folder, where we can pull it out in case of an emergency.

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh that’s a great idea!!

[@aliciahird855]

Going paperless, having one central spot for all of the bills, getting rid of grocery receipts... Also decluttering paper once a week so that the paper doesn't become overwhelming...

[@katiahintz3910]

Where did you get the paper organizer?

[@AshlynneEaton]

It’s linked in the description box! 🤍

[@katiahintz3910]

Thank you!

[@ViviNuss]

My biggest issue with paper clutter is, that I still don't know what is REALLY important to keep and what I can declutter without needing it later in my life :(

[@annetteelder-clark505]

I'm downsizing and while going from a 4200sq ft house to 2200sq ft house, I have let go of 4 sofas, 5 chairs, 1 round table with 4 chairs, 2 closets worth of clothes, and a bread machine, but still have constant paper clutter... no matter how much I am trying to lighten my life and mind. Ugh! 😬 Paper!☹

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh wow, that definitely sounds like a huge time. Good luck!! 🥰🤍

[@butterflybaby429]

I’m guilty! Paper clutter has taken over my home! I have filing cabinets that need organizing and everywhere I look , there’s paper😢I put the papers in boxes in hopes of organizing BUT now the boxes are piling up. I feel like I think every paper is important and that’s why, I have to keep it! It stresses me out so much.🥴🥺🙁🤬😱😬

[@asmad3782]

I love you my best freinds

[@AhmetKaan]

The chances of you seeing this comment is pretty low, *but I hope you have an amazing day.*

[@AhmetKaan]

*Day one or one day.* *You decide.*

[@katerynaorlova5654]

Ashlynne created more paper clutter by making those "recycle", "keep", and "1 year" labels for the piles 😁

[@islandgirl33]

I'm kinda surprised you keep documents such as social security cards, birth certificates, passports and other documents that are valuable at home. We keep those items in a safety deposit box at the bank including life insurance policies, car ownership papers, mortgage stuff as well. We are by no means rich but we just want to make sure if there is a fire, those documents are not lost or if someone breaks in are stolen.