No More Filing! The Time-Saving Shortcut I use for Paper Clutter + Our Command Center

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

Hi everyone, thanks for watching! There are many more people in the collaboration than the channels I showed on screen. Here is the playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLZ-AWUEixtg3VZITHr2IKP0ehgdOfca5t Thanks for watching! Love, Jennifer

[@MN_Cozy]

I have been doing it this way for 25 years!! I initially started with just putting everything into Target bags 😅 now I use plastic containers, and same...never really had to look in the box! 👍👍 thank you for coming out, I highly recommend this system!!!

[@brandyk333]

What about your homeschool items? How do you keep those papers organized?

[@kathleenhemingway1884]

I'd love another video on your command center

[@adrianhenry3636]

Yes!

[@connieclark1288]

Brilliant! Girl, you are brilliant. Your box of "maybe, but probably never need" is the most freeing thing I"ve ever heard! All those years spent filing all those papers that were never going to be needed makes me want to cry. Not anymore :)

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

It is very freeing!

[@connieclark1288]

@@TheDailyConnoisseur I'm so glad you saw my comment. Hi. I'm from Georgia. I realized while you were showing us your box that I had been doing it for years but not realizing it. What I mean is that year after year I would wind up with a box or container of misc papers I had pushed around the house for months not ever taking on the task of filing!! So I should have just labeled the year and be done with it. Brilliant. Thank you

[@lauralogan3046]

I agree! So helpful and freeing 🙌🏻

[@RWhit774]

@@connieclark1288 Then after 1 year we can toss, right?

[@ellenharrison5519]

Same!

[@LesleyLizbeth]

Organization on house chores please!!

[@pamelafowler4406]

Your style of paper control makes sense to me! Thank you

[@roxannesteed4675]

I think you just saved my life!!! This has been my absolute bugaboo of all time- paper clutter! It makes me absolutely crazy. I'm so glad I thought to google your youtube channel for a solution! Somehow I just knew you would have this covered! I am ready to let go of this burden in the best way possible!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Dealing with the mail right away is a time saver and a great tip!

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

It has been so fun doing this collab with you and I'm so glad to have discovered your channel!

[@EricaLucasLoves]

@@TheDailyConnoisseur I’m happy to “meet” you! I am binging your homemaking videos!

[@robinfisher8024]

I do the same thing with general unimportant papers. Each month I throw them in a box and at the end of the year I put the box in the attic for a few years. After that time, I shred it all. No more filing!! And I haven't had to dig anything out yet, but if I do, it's all there. I'm so happy to see I'm not the only one! lol. Great video!

[@daniellamarie_c]

Hahahaaha oh my gosh! I do the SAME THING. I keep only the most important papers for the year and pack them up in a yearly box, lol. Then eventually I’ll get rid of the oldest year.

[@AiyanaWaldron]

I love this. Throwing the less important stuff in a box is so freeing!

[@Cya897]

Thank you for the ideas! I’d also love to hear about how you organize homeschool paper clutter as well!

[@jenniferrumsey9887]

I think the way you organize and contain your paperwork is good enough - and frees up your time for other tasks.

[@Roxanambaresearch]

I agree and I have the same system: file away all probably unnecessary paperwork in a properly labelled box and close the lid at the end of the year. I also pay all household bills online and for things where deadlines are crucial (insurance policies and utilities), I have them in scheduled auto-pay. For daily incoming mail, I have a beautiful, tall and narrow chest of 6 drawers (similar to a lingerie drawer): one drawer for each member of the family (we are four and we store our individual mail in our properly individual drawer), one for coupons (which are rarely use, anyway), one for gloves. On the top, I keep a beautiful wood box where we throw our cars keys as well as our house keys): this chest of drawers is located at the entry hallway. Next to this chest is a filing box where we toss junk mail and once a week, all we have to do with that decorative file box is, take it to the recycling bin- this way the junk mail does not even get into the main living areas. I found this marvelous lingerie chest of drawers in HomeGoods (it is mirrored and it has that silver/gold hue that matches most of the furniture in my house).

[@jeniferj]

Yes please do a video on the command centre!!

[@mamahomesteads3514]

Genius! I have the same issue with needing to declutter my filing cabinet. I also despise dealing with papers. 🥴 Definitely going to do the box idea. Thank you for sharing!

[@cottagemama]

Yes! This is pretty much how I deal with paper clutter. Filed important papers in a fireproof safe. Digital when I can. Sunday Basket for weekly papers. Then, semi-important papers are placed in a box.

[@valchica7]

Cute command center. I like the box with the year on it idea.

[@hushpuppy9225]

Genius, I feel like you let me off the hook! Thanks a bunch.

[@ellenharrison5519]

My first time listening to your video! Love the box of gray area paperwork that you MAY need during the year. I too have spent time filing paper I might need and then have to declutter my filing cabinet! I am definitely going to use this idea. I’m sure it will work for me. Thanks! I have subscribed to your channel and I love your channel name.

[@lr50plus54]

I had the experience of losing WiFi access for several days. I discovered how much information I needed that I didn’t have on physical paper form. So now I keep one actual physical paper that has all my account numbers, phone numbers for the account etc. It would have been so much better to have had that info.

[@jodycourt]

I live in the country where our WiFi is unreliable. I just cannot do with digital documents only for our ranch business. I'm also leery of having my mail and documents away from my office where it could be accidentally blown out or grandkids could mess with it. I don't mind filing documents because then i KNOW where they are when I need them and I tend to always need them.

[@sw6118]

You can download your statements and save them on your computer from almost every account you have when you wifi works. You don’t need the bulk of hard copies, but you must back up your computer regularly.

[@teri03]

We lost power for awhile and had to live without electronics and we learned the same lesson.

[@tanyavansloun8231]

I love the box idea! I have been trying to slowly embrace the 10 item wardrobe for a few years now and I actually use your box method but in clothes form. When I take out all the clothes I don't want in my capsule wardrobe, I put them in a bag stored away out of sight. If months or even a year goes by and I don't go into that bag for something, THEN I get rid of it! There's just something about knowing I'm not totally throwing anything out that makes the transition easier :)

[@joanorchard1322]

Hi Jennifer! Just wanted to tell you the box for each year is exactly what our accountant advised us to do. So, there you go, no need to be embarrassed about that idea! Love your channel!

[@bonnieschindler4338]

I think your method is brilliant!

[@majesea]

Love this approach…this will definitely work for me… makes perfect sense…thank you!

[@AlyandGranny]

Thank you so much for all your videos! they are really helpful....I would like to know more about the chores please :)) thank you!

[@sarasm5240]

I’d love a video on your command center. Thanks!

[@Melissa55]

I really enjoyed this. I've gone back to the office part time, and part time at home, so it's really been important to organize my papers. Have a great week and stay safe! Love, Melissa

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

Thanks, friend! Lots of love xx

[@MelanieLSchmidt]

My paper vice is with the physical books I love to read vs my kindle 😬😳

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

I don't count books as clutter. You can never have enough books! :)

[@Roxanambaresearch]

That is not clutter: paper books are beauty at every level.

[@s.f.4402]

Perhaps display [some] books vertically.

[@holleyjay1122]

Books aren’t clutter, that’s a library! (Even if it’s stacks all over the house😉)

[@s.f.4402]

🌹

[@Lotusblume.8]

I have an accordion file that I declutter at the end of every school year in the summer. I get rid of all unimportant papers and only keep the absolutely important ones. I have no paper bills and only save papers 5 years max. It takes about 30 minutes tops. My always important documents are stored in a different place. I’m also a minimalist and can’t keep so much stuff for too long without getting stressed about it lol.

[@mayrakavan3154]

AMAZING!!!!! Love this!

[@debramarsh3907]

Ha, I began doing this a couple of years ago too, great minds...

[@IsabelleBarsalo]

What a great idea!

[@diannerowley9358]

Love this idea ❤️ thankyou

[@susankaras1535]

I would be curious what you do with kid stuff. Do you keep that stuff? Paintings, artwork, writing, cards from your kids. Thanks Jennifer! Love your ideas.

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

I keep a fraction of their artwork. For cards, my kids write in my preserve journal so I keep all of their notes in one place...

[@susankaras1535]

@@TheDailyConnoisseur A preserve journal!

[@lorig.7127]

@@TheDailyConnoisseur Please discuss your preserve journal in a video!

[@808Blessed1]

Yes I would love to see how you put your command center together and your children’s chores. Thank You for sharing.

[@LinguaExplorer_Suz]

Have you considered scanning your papers that go into your yearly box?! I use CamScan on my phone and then save to my google drive - SO much easier to search through as well!

[@godofthebiblespeaks3188]

I believe Cas from Clutterbug uses a bin like you do. She pointed out that it is chronological, so you would be able to sort through generally to find what you need if you actually needed to. Like you, I need a visual prompt for paying the bills. 😊

[@MyCrownstar]

Great video. My paper clutter method is similar. I go paperless with bills too. For all the ad paper and junk mail I never bring them in the house. I have a basket in the garage and drop all the junk mail in the basket. It never makes it in the house. Once a week or when I can, i flip thru the mail, toss the junk recycle bin and shred anything with my name or offers, etc. I have very few paper that I retain except for important documents like tax returns. All my bills are online and I keep an excel spreadsheet for budgets and know what bills are upcoming.

[@solacescalicocritters7256]

This is what I do, too! Thanks for the validation. 😄 It feels “disorganized” but it works for my personality too. I eventually end up chucking or shredding them after awhile, anyway.

[@mariacastillo3090]

OMG I love this!!!

[@tracy_in_primary]

I do the same - everything just goes in a box, but your box is fancy! I use a photocopy paper box and it doesn't have a date on it. As you say, the number of times I have to go through that box is pretty low and rare. Applying for Centrelink is about it (this is our social security department - my girls both qualified for a student benefit when they were at Uni).

[@denisesawyer6980]

I have a cardboard box for paper like your tote. At the end of the year or more likely January I go through the box to see if there is anything I need then the contents are tossed shredded or soaked in water and then tossed.

[@angelabrodie2483]

Jennifer, I absolutely adore how real you are! Your ability to admit that there are certain things you genuinely dislike and offer streamlined, simple, and efficient solutions on how best to confront and conquer! I also wanted to ask (implore actually) you to please re-release your audiobooks, perhaps updated versions, in your own voice, for your 10th anniversary. Your voice is SO much nicer to listen to and I would absolutely love hearing you read them.

[@jodi9295]

wow! I love your - put it in a box just in case and label with the year! I have a terrible fear of throwing something important away.

[@sylviapearson301]

Great tips 🌸

[@sw6118]

The one thing I tend to forget is to keep the purchase receipt together with the warranty. To make a warranty claim you almost always have to provide proof of purchase. I keep all the warranties, manuals and receipts in a binder organized by room.

[@kimgordon3695]

Love THIS!💓

[@daisy353]

Thank you for the time stamps and the summary at the end! That helps someone like me a lot! Love the idea of just using a box for papers that aren’t important.

[@nubbyrose87]

Boy was this timely. I’m going thru all my files right now.😬 Edit: great content - makes total sense distinguishing between filing and storage/hide the clutter.

[@zulejkajaversek9161]

I’m going to rewatch this. I live your sweater!

[@wordsaremytrade]

Omg I love how you do this! I've never thought of filing ONLY the super important stuff and putting the rest away in a box per year! I think this is actually genius because I also go nuts with all these papers lying around or getting lost as 1) I have no clue how to deal with ALL of them, and 2) I can't anymore be bothered with wasting time on trying to file them! Thank you for sharing this video. I loved it.

[@user-ex1ps6iq7l]

Jennifer I like the Simplicity of your systems. I think keeping it simple is key. I used to make a separate folder for so many topics and file everything within its proper little folder. Just grouping things together really streamlines the job!

[@TheLadyoftheHouse]

I’d love to take a closer look at your command center and your box idea is great🌹

[@anitakimerstorfer9229]

I think the last year with all the lockdowns has driven us more and more into digitalization. Every few days, I install a new app and do things online. I digitalized all my finance & administrative stuff. I think it takes some time to go digital. Once it's done, it's really super effective.

[@sarapawsonherrington2595]

I would love to see your command centre in detail! Good on paper clutter! Thank you

[@pennynorth955]

OMG! That’s exactly what I do! I’m glad I’m not the only one because I already watched some of the others and I was like, “oh no I need to make some changes!” But now I see I’m not the only one! 🙏🏼 yeah it works for me too!

[@candacelove5838]

Where do you file cards that you like to keep? Yes would like video on command center. Also thank you my Planned and Proper Planner finally arrived. It’s great !!!

[@ddfrontczak]

I basically do the one box system too! I love that I am not alone.

[@erint933]

So helpful, thank you!😁👍 The reminder to go digital is what I needed to hear.

[@melaniegraham1413]

Awesome idea for the year box. Love it. Gonna implement in my home! You set me free. 😊

[@nothingwitty7775]

I like the idea of your yearly box as a paper dump, but if I start that I will probably add a running list on the lid so I can jot down anything that might be more likely to be needed. For instance if I keep a receipt for some repair or construction, in the 2% chance I actually need that down the road, I don't want to sift through multiple boxes because I don't remember if the roof was replaced in 2020 or 2021. Or 2017, lol.

[@lenafreeze7131]

Hey i do the same thing!!! I have one big basket for the whole year of paper. I rarely ever even need them! Oh I hate dealing with paper too!

[@LindySellsHomes]

I have the exact same system! It is simple and works for me.

[@gerigaskill785]

Brilliant! What a timesaver to have a yearly box to use for "just in case" storage!!!!

[@MySkycastles]

Ive tried so many systems for paper, so far I found nothing perfect yet... But I'm completely vibing with your way of dealing with paper... Digital "paper" is quite common here, that greatly reduces paper clutter, along with opting out from mail advertisement. With what is left, I'm definitely going to try your box method, I can already feel this is my personal way to go.

[@C12133]

I do something very similar to what you do! I can’t even think of a time that I needed to find an old paper. I don’t even have kids at home and I don’t have time to file!😆 Thank you, Jennifer for all that you do! I appreciate you!😍

[@DansonforJoy]

Thank you for sharing your method! I love how freeing it seems! 👌

[@zauger238]

Gosh! I love you! So thankful to learn about your lifestyle videos and books in this month’s Victoria magazine! I have really enjoyed getting to know more about you this weekend and hope to join your community beyond just subscribing soon. I also plan to buy all of your books. Many thanks for being so down to earth, honest and uplifting! So inspiring for living each day in a connoisseur way! Sincerely, Michele Zurovec (Zauger is my son’s front name) Austin, Texas

[@lindabergman932]

Hi Jennifer, our important papers are filed in a safe. Should there be a fire those will stay intact. It’s easy to decide what is important due to only so much room in our safe 😃

[@omarcamel2000]

I use the big box method too!

[@Beepbopboop19]

Please talk about the art in your living room. Are some prints? Where do you find frames, etc.

[@DarlaLeuschen]

Hi Jennifer! I love the box by year tip...that will work for me! I was wondering if you also do the same system with your business paperwork?

[@susansatchwell8482]

Thanks I completely agree that I hate paper. I do keep organizer for the year which holds bills and then I can pull out anything important and trash some of the other stuff. That helped me out of some chaos. I do have a box that is such that cards can be placed ther for events as birthdays etc. I also have on line card service. If I have specific cards for a birthday month I clip them into organizer. Sounds good doesn’t always happen. I still need to corral my study more but it is also a project room. Need I say more. Thanks!

[@nessparadis6948]

Paper clutter is the hardest type for me to deal with, and it makes me feel so overwhelmed. I absolutely hate it, despite being a writer too, and it causes me anxiety. The worst thing is I have mild hoarding tendencies. I have report cards from elementary. I’m excited to watch this!

[@cocoblue012]

They have now done a video series on Sentimental Items , I would recommend watching through that and seeing if any of it catches your eye. I went ahead and separated all my sentimental stuff like that , I haven't tackled it yet but I will go through those videos and work on it once I have all the other paper stuff under control .

[@MissJuliesMontessoriMinutes]

I'm very excited about this playlist. I hate paper clutter too and use that same box system. I am still waiting, after three years to actually have to look through it.

[@robyngranberry9044]

Jennifer, I am wondering what organizer you choose.It is lovely and would make me want to use it!

[@phyllisbakercoffman8988]

Great ideas! Thank you ☺️

[@miric3242]

Loved your thoughts on paper clutter! It makes perfect sense - why spend so much precious time filing useless paper? Definitely getting a box 😉. Happy New Year Jennifer!

[@ruralcanadianmom8964]

I feel as if you and I could be great friends in real life😂. You're just so upbeat and a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the motivation!

[@HiItsMeAgain00]

We have the same mailbox!

[@evansbowen6897]

I use the same method for papers. Important papers are in an accordion file in the safe. Insurance, financial statements go in a drawer that is emptied each year-then shredded a year later. Most issues are solved by then. Our business receipts are in an accordion file by months- only a couple of times a year do I need to look for something and then it just takes a few minutes to find it in that month. I’ve done this for decades and never have a problem

[@Mieke256]

The easiest way of dealing with paper clutter! I'm going to try this. I always let my "to file pile" get way too high because I also don't like doing it at all. And who indeed has time to declutter their filing cabinet 🙄.

[@dellnichols4625]

Your year box is actually a very good way to handle those papers you don’t have to keep forever. And, depending on your tax status, after a certain number of years have passed, you can just take that old year’s papers and shred them.

[@daisybuchanan5378]

Overcoming my procrastination in this area has made the biggest difference in my stress and happiness. It was a process, but now I pay bills online, and I shred utility and one time bills. My payment is online at my bank. I file the important things, and things I need for taxes. I also use Paper Karma app to unsubscribe from junk mail. I get far far less now. No catalogs or magazines either.

[@karencarr7760]

A suggestion for the papers you want to keep. Take a picture and file it on your phn/tablet etc.. wouldn’t this be better than a box. I’m guessing after a few years you shred your boxes. I’m the worst at this myself. I’m going to try this out.

[@seanagarrow7488]

🌿I love the year-long container for all the “other” papers...I’m going to adopt that..,thanks!🌿

[@mwebb3014]

Do you discard the large bins of “time will tell” papers after a certain number of years?

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

I've only been doing this system for around 3 years so I haven't' discarded anything yet...

[@angiedimsdale9016]

You could use the IRS rule of retaining 7 years of documents. That may seem too long but if your paper is contained and labeled you would revisit one box starting in the 8th year. By then, you would most likely be able to go through each piece of paper and quickly make a keep or toss decision with complete confidence.

[@kimgordon3695]

IRS items 7 years. Shredder in the office & A fireproof box for titles & certificates. Annual ziplock receipts. Keepsake box for special photos. 💓 Online bill pmt taken over by spouse! & 1 guest room drawer for pending...

[@ayahali35]

Hi I would like to see a detailed video on your command centre pls. Thank you.

[@wagnerfamily2043]

I love the idea of filing in the box for non-important papers!! Where do you keep the box, though?

[@DisneyprincessElly]

Love it! But HELP what ideas do you have for digital clutter?

[@jenniferr4738]

I enjoyed this video. I really like the vertical command center. We don’t have one as it’s just the husband and me and paper gets dealt with immediately and we do a lot online. But I am curious how we will do things when we hopefully have kids. One thing was, I don’t understand the bin for the year of papers you think you might need. Could you clarify? So, you keep certain bills for reference in case of what? Are you planning to discard the bin after a number of years? Thank you!

[@amiehegeman]

I do the same thing, super important papers go in the safe. The rest go by year.

[@juliecarns]

Hi Jennifer, With so many businesses run by our children, we immediately sort mail & hand it out. My command center is behind my jewelry box on my dresser organized next to greeting cards I’m sending that month. I like online pay but still have certain bills & statements sent to our home in case of a computer glitch. Thanks for the organizing ideas. Julie 🌷

[@louise5941]

Thanks Jennifer. Please can I check - Which receipts do you keep? I'm a terrible receipt hoarder and keep all my receipts and have boxes of them! 🤦‍♀️ Also it would be lovely to hear how you manage your finances, if you budget, use spreadsheets / any systems Thank you ❤️

[@keyisme1356]

Most stores have a policy that you can't return things after 30 days, 90 days, or a year. The only receipts you should keep for longer, are for expensive items that have a warranty (for longer than a year). Keep them with the warranty.

[@susannapichula9947]

Hi Jennifer, I would like to see a video of you designating chores to your children, I’m a mom of 2 boys and need ideas of how to designating chores to my children. Thank you.

[@awkwardgenxer1023]

Thanks for this! It does make sense! I too can’t stand paperwork. Every stressful and traumatic event in my life has involved so much paperwork!

[@titaniumtiara4573]

Yep. I’ve found this method to work for me as well. Otherwise I just won’t file / put stuff away

[@elizabethkamras897]

I love the idea of the box by year. How long do you keep before tossing? Thank you!

[@lisadixon5886]

What do you do with the box at the end of the year? Do you have piles of files from years gone by that you hold on to, just in case, like me?! ( I am dreadful at making decis ions about paperwork!) I love the simplicity ( and 'do-ability' of your approach!)

[@StephanieHallBurns]

I do the same exact thing with the general box, for things I don't pay online or need to file, and then I literally take that box to the UPS store and have it shredded sometime after that year. I cannot believe how much time I wasted before!