Decluttering paper can be an overwhelming task, but there are ways to make the process less stressful. To start, categorize every single piece of paper. Make separate piles for short-term and long-term papers, and also make a toss pile. You can use cardboard boxes to separate papers by category, and you can use a paper shredder to destroy sensitive documents.

Categorize every piece of paper down to the last sheet

Before you start organizing your papers, it’s a good idea to categorize every piece down to the last sheet. Decide which ones you want to keep, then place them in the appropriate folder or binder. Then, toss the ones you don’t need in a separate trash or shredding box. As you go through your papers, you may need to add more folders, so be sure to label them. Sorting papers by category will help you maintain a clear system of filing and organization.

Once you’ve categorized your papers, you can begin to file them in the proper piles. Begin with a simple category pile and move to more specific categories if necessary. While you’re organizing, try not to over-categorize, and group like items together. If you’re not sure what you want to file where, use sticky notes to indicate each category.

Depending on the type of paper, you can also make a dedicated place for it. This area will make it easy to sort through all the paper. You can use cardboard boxes and paper bags to separate the trash and recyclable materials. You can also use plastic or canvas bags for short-term items.

Create a toss pile

When you’re decluttering your paper, one of the best things to do is create a toss pile. This pile is where you throw out papers that are too old to be useful. Older papers are the easiest to discard. Start by separating them into four broad categories: Read, Act, File, and Toss. All of your paper should land in at least one of these categories.

Next, create a toss pile for everything else. You may find a few things that you no longer need. For instance, you could set up a toss pile for old magazines. This way, you won’t have to go through pages to determine if they are still useful or not. This will help you save time and avoid confusion.

Take progress pictures of decluttering projects

Start by taking pictures of your progress as you go. Seeing your progress is one of the best motivators to tackle a decluttering project. Take progress pictures every day so you can see your progress over time. This way you’ll know how far you’ve come and what needs to be changed to make it even better.

When starting a paper decluttering project, start slowly and sort a few papers at a time. This will allow you to determine what documents need to be filed and which ones aren’t. It’s also helpful to sort out your important documents first. Remember to keep a filing system so you can sort important documents with ease.