You've Got Mail

Today I have finished up part of the project I have been working on all week. I hope to finish it tomorrow (and maybe Friday) so I can post pictures!

However, to finish this project I am in serious need of a way to cut mail clutter and get a system in place to organize our mail.

I am definitely one of those people not interested in anything that comes by way of snail mail. Our bills are paid online, I get my magazine subscriptions online, email is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Snail mail just wastes paper.

However, it is kindof funny how everyday I rush to the mailbox hoping something will magically appear in our mailbox that will knock my socks off...I'm still waiting.

Anyway, to finish my project I am preparing solutions to control our mail and solutions to organize it when it does come.

1.) I went to http://donotmail.org, filled out a form, and it will supposedly cut down on my junk mail.

2.) To eliminate junk mail further I am researching: www.catalogchoice.org, which helps control the catalogs, coupons, credit offers, phone books, fliers, circulars, newsletters, and other unsolicited mail you receive.

Next, I plan on designating a spot in our entryway or home office that can hold a week's worth of mail, a pretty basket maybe, or I think I might make something....still undecided.

It needs to have 3 bins/folders/baskets, etc.

One for ASAP mail (bills, etc),
One Pending file, which doesn't need immediate attention (subscriptions for example),
and a To File file for anything needing filing.

Other needs:
shredder
recycling bin
magazine holder
place to file paperwork (file cabinet, expandable files)

Finally, to make the system work. I need to be committed to taking the time to sort mail into the system daily (this is the hard part). Six days a week junk needs to be thrown away/shredded immediately and the rest of the mail filed into the appropriate folders. Then, each week take approximately 10-15 minutes to go through the mail attending to what needs attended.

Sounds simple enough, right? How do you handle the mail that comes in? One of my resolutions for 2011 is to get organized. I am trying very hard. The mail will be a tough one!


Maybe all I need is this cute organizer from Pottery Barn to get me started :). What do you think?