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<span class="pro_member_name">Betsy Talbot</span>
Betsy Talbot
Writer, traveler, bon vivant
Seattle, Washington
Posted by Betsy Talbot, Seattle, Washington | Apr 13, 2009

Subscribe to Personal Productivity and Growth - Discussion How do you tame the paper?

This week I'm writing about home office decluttering on the blog, but in order to keep an office decluttered you have to have a system for paper.

How do you keep the paper, mail, magazines, newspapers, and books under control in your home or office?

5 Bizniks have posted replies
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  • Diane Easley
    Posted by Diane Easley, Seattle, Washington | Apr 13, 2009

    The recycle bin is just next to where I open the mail. I stand, open, discard anything extraneous (do I really need the envelope the piece came in?) and take the rest to my office.

    Nothing goes into my office unless it pertains to business. If a piece is lucky enough to make it to my office then I immediately do something with it, pay the bill, file the paper, shelve the book, read the magazine (ripping out anything I find important that will help me in the future and recycle the rest as soon as I am done), make the call, etc, etc.

    This is my business, I keep it lively so I can be a participant and not an observer!

    This is not as hard as it seems, it just takes a little practice. Come over any time and see!

  • Betsy Talbot
    Posted by Betsy Talbot, Seattle, Washington | Apr 13, 2009

    Can you just see all of us standing in your house watching you process your mail and taking notes? :-)

    I think most people lose the battle with paper because they simply don't have a plan. Yours is an excellent one, and I love the line about being a participant and not an observer.

    Thanks for showing that it can be done on a day-in, day-out basis.

  • Diane Easley
    Posted by Diane Easley, Seattle, Washington | Apr 15, 2009

    It would be a hoot to have everyone at the house taking notes and I think we would ALL learn something, myself included!

  • Betsy Talbot
    Posted by Betsy Talbot, Seattle, Washington | Apr 15, 2009

    We'll wait for your event listing on Biznik and sign up! (you are providing wine while we sort mail, right?) :)

  • Nina Nordstrom
    Posted by Nina Nordstrom, Chula Vista, California | Apr 15, 2009

    As a Productivity Expert and Professional Organizer for the last 8 years, I have found everyone needs their own unique system. What works for one, may not work for another. "Pilers" need a system that adapts to their mindset. "Organizers" can work with a more detailed system. Diane's recycle bin is at her "Point of Use" allowing for her habit to easily become routine.

    Keeping personal periodicals separate from business is one of the keys to maintaining a clutter-free home office. Separating "active" from "inactive" paperwork is also important. Establishing "zones" in your office is yet another way to keep other items such as mail, books, and supplies under control.

    I encourage professionals to take advantage of additional expert tips & tools by signing up today for a free "OPT" Office Productivity Tips account. You'll gain access to 12 subscriber-only web pages by going to http://ninanordstrom.com/id72.html

    Thank you! nina nordstrom & associates "helping you do more. accomplish more. achieve more."