In 1988 I wrote my first book Taming the Paper Tiger in response to clients continual question “How long do I keep...” You can fill in the blank with everything from expired insurance policies to children’s artwork. Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of a century later, paper continues to be the #1 organizing problem in American households. Listen as I share 6 tips for organizing paper at home. Podcast Duration: 05:03 (MM:SS)

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Podcast Transcript

In 1988 I wrote my first book Taming the Paper Tiger in response to clients continual question “How long do I keep...” You can fill in the blank with everything from expired insurance policies to children’s artwork. Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of a century later, paper continues to be the #1 organizing problem in American households. Paper causes strife in as family members ask, “Where is...” Once again, you fill in the blanks -- the Visa bill, the paper I need to take to school, my flight information, the article in the paper about the new theater production, the directions to the party, the information I need to refinance the house, the birthday card for Jeremy, the receipts for this year’s tax return (or maybe even last years!) etc., etc.

Even more unfortunately, the problem is now further complicated (and potentially solved, I might add!) by the addition of electronic files. If it was difficult finding paper, it’s nothing compared to the problem of finding attachments to emails, or documents stored on a computer -- you’re just not sure which one!

Being a woman of determination, I've just released a new book Organizing Paper @Home: What To Toss and How To Find the Rest! It addresses the problem of paper -- and electronic information. Not only does it have new content, it has a new perspective, because I invited Jennifer Wig to collaborate with me in a role I have labeled “the keeper of the legacy!” My daily experience is that the principles I developed 30 years ago still stand, but I feel it is crucial they be continually tested and updated for our ever changing world.

Ironically, while the examples in the Organizing Paper @Home book come out of the household, the principles apply in the workplace as well, so for the next few podcasts I’m going “back to basics” -- starting with the “Art of Wastebasketry.”

Research shows that 80% of what we keep we never use, but how do you know what 20% to keep? Prospects and clients often make the statement, “As soon as I get rid of this, I’ll need it,” but when I challenge them to give me an example, they are far and few between. But that’s really not the point. Organizing is NOT about throwing things out -- it’s about finding what you need when you need it.

Determine whether you want to keep each piece of paper at all by asking yourself these six “Art of Wastebasketry®” questions:

1. Does this require any action on my part? Just because you receive information doesn’t mean you need to keep it!
2. Would it be difficult to obtain again? Is it in your computer or on the Internet?
3. Is it recent enough to be useful? Does it make sense to keep an article with information that will be outdated before you need it? Keep track of the source of the information, so you can get the latest version, rather than keeping the information itself.
4. Can I identify specific circumstances when I’d use it? “Just in case” is not specific enough! Identify the information well enough that you can file it for future reference -- or toss it!
5. Are there any tax or legal implications? Don’t assume “more is better.” Get advice on what you are legally required to keep. And there’s more information on the subject in my new book. If you answer “No” to all the above questions, but are still not comfortable throwing something away, ask one last question:
6. What is the worst possible thing that could happen if I didn’t have this information? If you can live with your answer, recycle, shred it, or delete it, and live happily ever after!

If you’d like to learn more detailed tips on organizing and managing page, then my book Organizing Paper @ Home: What To Toss and How To Find The Rest! is just what you need. Visit www.OrganizingPaperAtHome.com to order your copy today.

If you like this podcast and think a friend or colleague can benefit from it please share it with them using the Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn buttons on the podcast page on my website.” Until next week, I’m Barbara Hemphill. Thanks for listening

Photo Credit: LizMarie_AK