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Organized Island » Home Management

Paper Organization

Published: Jul 1, 2019 · Modified: Aug 7, 2022 by Raquel · This post may contain affiliate links · 92 Comments

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Paper Organization Tools
Paper organization tips

We are talking about Paper Organization tips today! 

Each day, papers and emails come into my life from various sources.  It is a never-ending cycle.  It is difficult for me to be productive if I see papers all over the place, so I have established a paper organization system with a spot for all incoming items.  

It took a while to become a habit, but this paper organization system really works for me.

Stack of Mail

 

Establishing a Command Station

When I am at home, I spend a lot of my time in the kitchen so this is where the paper organization center starts.  It is really important to determine a place in your home for a command center.

Establish the center in a place where you open mail, review the correspondence and that is an area you can access often. I have a small command center on a counter. My goal is to keep all of the information that comes in organized and accessible for future action while keeping a little paper as necessary.

Eliminate paper clutter, and use a box for paper organization

 

Paper Organization

When I open the mail, items are either filed immediately or read and thrown away.  If I need to keep the paper for future action, I file it in a folder.  My folders include the following: Food Ads, Coupons, Unpaid Bills, Events/Entertainment, and Receipts, to name a few.

organizing papers, filing

If I only need to glean bits of information from the incoming paper, I will take a photo with my phone and toss out the paper version.  If the item is a document I will need for taxes or future use, it is filed in a filing cabinet in another room.  If the item requires a response or payment, it is filed under unpaid bills so that I can respond later.

To the left of this file box are binders for the major projects in my life.  The binders are great because these projects require more storage space than a file folder offers.

Paper organization comes easy with binders!

These binders include Household Information, Organized Island and My Parents.  My parents are on in years and I keep medical and treatment records to help manage their health. I use other binders as well, but not as often, so I do not need to keep them in the kitchen.  This is valuable kitchen property, so I try not to waste it.

Easy Paper Organization

Binder Organization

Binders can be changed up to match decor and can be organized any way you like.  I appreciate this flexibility because the user can determine how they categorize the information.

This system allows me to:

  • Keep information organized and accessible
  • Keep as little paper as possible
  • Keep my kitchen counters clear of clutter
  • Purge papers on a regular basis

Some of the binders I maintain are for:

  • School Work
  • Activities/Sports
  • Blog Management
  • Recipes
  • Travel Planning

I like to buy the white binders and insert scrapbook paper on the front and sides to personalize. You can even change up the decorative paper once in a while!

I also recommend a desk caddy like this one. I got mine at TJ Maxx, but you can find similar ones here and here.

See how I manage bill paying and tax information below:

  •  Organize bill paying
  • Preparing for Tax Time

What system do you use to organize your incoming papers? If you liked this post, please share it.

Simple tips to get that incoming paperwork under control and organized. These household organizing tips are great for several aspects of your life!

For more great organizing tips for your home, check out:

Kitchen Pantry Organization - How I organize my pantry.

How to Organize Keepsakes - Tips on what to keep and how to store those keepsakes.

Organizing Rubber Stamps - Great tips on organizing rubber stamps and other small craft supplies.

 

Signature

 

 

Paper organization tips

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About Raquel

Southern California mom who blogs about time-saving recipes, entertaining and party ideas.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jamie

    January 30, 2013 at 5:03 pm

    Such a GREAT post... and it's so needed. i'm waiting on my organization system to arrive, but hoping that will help on the paper end... 😉

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      January 30, 2013 at 5:34 pm

      Thank you Jamie for stopping by Jamie - less papers = more time! 🙂

      Reply
    • Karen

      March 10, 2013 at 8:47 am

      Hi Jamie,
      Where did you find the kitchen center?? I assume you found something close because you said you are waiting for it to arrive. It does seem like a perfect system. Thanks

      Reply
  2. Nicole

    January 30, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    What a great post! You have inspired me!! I will have a command center by this weekend!! I have something now - but your tips will make it better! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my site. 🙂

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 01, 2013 at 6:38 am

      Thanks for stopping by Nicole! It just takes a little while to put together but is SO worth it!

      Reply
  3. Andrea

    January 31, 2013 at 9:52 am

    I am absolutely doing this! My current organization system is non-existent! It's a complete mess and overwhelms me. I deserve a gold star if I can get my husband to learn & FOLLOW the system. Thanks for the tip. Visiting from SITS. Andrea @ be-quoted.com

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 01, 2013 at 6:39 am

      Thanks for stopping by Andrea! It really helps!

      Reply
    • Brenda

      February 19, 2013 at 7:57 am

      I agree, great idea! I too am going to work on this & try to have it up & going by the weekend. So totally identify with your comment about the husband!! Old dog, new tricks comes to mind!! He's a doll, but is resistant sometimes to tr-training! lol

      Reply
      • Brenda

        February 19, 2013 at 7:59 am

        Sorry, "re-training"!!

        Reply
  4. Alexis AKA MOM

    January 31, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    I so need to be better about reading mail and throwing out and sorting. It looks like the paper factory blew up in here!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 01, 2013 at 6:39 am

      Too funny! Thank you for stopping by Alexis.

      Reply
  5. Patty

    February 01, 2013 at 7:20 am

    I so need this! My papers are everywhere 🙂

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 6:56 am

      Thanks for stopping by Patty!

      Reply
  6. Rabia @ TheLiebers

    February 01, 2013 at 10:19 am

    My current organizational goal is training my husband to throw away the junk mail. He always says he wasn't sure if I wanted to see it!?!?! Honey? I don't need an AARP application, but thanks!!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 6:57 am

      LOL! Totally with you on the AARP application! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Melissa @ Completely Eclipsed

    February 01, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Found you from SITS and I think this is a great idea. It's much better than my current system of throwing it in a paper tray and hoping that it disappears over night.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 6:57 am

      Thanks for stopping by Melissa! It really helps me.

      Reply
  8. Sonia Barton

    February 01, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Ohh I so need to organize my papers, I finally this year bought a small calendar to write down and remember all the automatic payments that come out of my checking account so that I can make sure there is enough in there, and stop paying those we are pulling from here to cover over here.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 6:59 am

      I am with you on the calendars Sonia. I have to write everything down. Happy Weekend!

      Reply
  9. Kate Rigby (@mrsdiggerhound)

    February 02, 2013 at 7:34 am

    Great post, I always like to hear how people manage to organise themselves. The amount of times I let my paperwork build up before I get to filing things away. I need to get a system together that suits me I think...

    Happy sharefestI

    Kate

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 9:26 am

      Yes, people have to find a system that works for them. There are different systems and I think you have to find one you can make a habit. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. The lovely one

    February 02, 2013 at 8:27 am

    I try not to have a lot of paper products.... we pay a lot of our bills online, so I don't get a lot of paper bills anymore. Anything tax related goes in the file folder, and almost everything else gets shredded!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 9:27 am

      Yes, I agree electronic bills and online payments really help reduce paper clutter.

      Reply
  11. Tracie

    February 02, 2013 at 8:34 am

    I don't really use any system to organize my papers. Which isn't good. But I love yours!!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 9:29 am

      Thanks for stopping by Tracie. I hope you can make it work for you. I appreciate your comment.

      Reply
  12. Cafe Pasadena

    February 02, 2013 at 9:12 am

    What do u think about scanning instead of filing most paper?

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 02, 2013 at 9:36 am

      I tend to use my phone as a scanner because it is convenient. My scanner is in another room but I do use it for some things. Scanned items still need to be categorized and purged so it really depends on the document and how long I need to keep it as to whether I will scan it. Great question!

      Reply
  13. Tabitha Vos

    February 02, 2013 at 9:54 am

    Such a great post! If you don't stay on top of paper, it will take over! Great system you have created. Thanks for sharing it!

    Tabby
    http://www.shoppingwives.com

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 03, 2013 at 7:10 am

      I agree Tabitha! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  14. Linda

    February 03, 2013 at 11:24 am

    This is AMAZING. I so need to start (did you notice the word 'start'?) to do something like this. I'd love to have you share this at What to Do Weekends. That will keep someone busy on the weekends, until they get in the "habit" huh? Best wishes, Linda

    http://www.craftsalamode.com/2013/01/heart-wreaths-for-valentines-day-plus.html

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 05, 2013 at 1:48 pm

      Start is a great word! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  15. Laura Ingalls Gunn

    February 03, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    Oh this is SO inspiring. I have a section in my kitchen that needs this! 🙂

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 05, 2013 at 1:49 pm

      So happy to inspire Linda! It really works!

      Reply
  16. Grace

    February 09, 2013 at 8:58 pm

    Thanks so much for the tip! My papers always end up in a pile on the kitchen counter and never make its way over to the office - so it totally makes sense to throw or file it right away in the kitchen!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 10, 2013 at 6:04 am

      Thanks for stopping by Grace - glad you found it helpful!

      Reply
  17. Albert Jr

    February 10, 2013 at 8:27 am

    I am proud of you - especially the binder with Mom & Dad's records! Way to go, Sis!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      February 10, 2013 at 8:01 pm

      Thanks Albert! You're the best brother!

      Reply
  18. Kadi Coe

    February 18, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    Hi! Where did you get your organizer? The wooden container? Thanks! Kadi

    Reply
    • Jenn C

      March 05, 2013 at 6:07 pm

      Yes! Are you willing to share where you purchased that GREAT organizer, please!?!? Thank you for the wonderful ideas!

      Reply
      • Organizedisland

        March 06, 2013 at 6:46 am

        Yes, of course Jenn, it was from Home Goods and I think it was around $10 or so.

        Reply
        • Jenn C

          March 06, 2013 at 6:51 pm

          Thank you! I will have to check it out to see if they still carry it. 🙂

          Reply
  19. Jeanine

    March 14, 2013 at 3:12 pm

    A wonderful post! You are a super organised lady for sure!! I love organising too, but just from the layout of your Blog I can tell you are a pro.

    Love the Blog and the posts, going to keep checking out the recipes....

    Jeanine

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 15, 2013 at 10:52 am

      So nice to meet you! Thanks for visiting Jeanine!

      Reply
  20. Dana

    March 19, 2013 at 4:45 am

    Visiting from SITS, I have an organizer like that on my counter but like your tabs, I have some of the same but will be adding the others.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:52 pm

      Sounds like you have a system that works! Love that Dana!

      Reply
  21. Aruna

    March 19, 2013 at 6:14 am

    I love the visuals in this post, getting to look at your system is great. If I was there I'd want to pick up one of those binders to see how you organize those. Do you three hole punch everything? Maybe you did another post you could link to with the inside.

    Thanks for the tips. I have a low wide two drawer filing cabinet that makes a great tabletop for my papers. : )

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:53 pm

      I should do a post on the inside of the binders. Yes I hole punch most of the items or keep them in pockets. He he...at least you have a cabinet. Thanks for stopping by Aruna!

      Reply
  22. misssrobin

    March 19, 2013 at 6:21 am

    Ugh! Paper. The ever present mess. I've worked out a few parts of my system, still taming a few others. Looks like you've got a great system. Maybe one or two of your ideas can help me finish up my system.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:54 pm

      I am glad that you found something helpful here Robin. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  23. Sheila Skillingstead

    March 19, 2013 at 6:35 am

    Your comment luv isn't picking up my post so here it is for today. http://www.eaglesclawsanctuary.com/2013/03/19/reading-my-novel-aloud/

    Thanks for the information about using binders and immediately dealing with mail. Enjoy your Sits Day.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:55 pm

      Thank you Sheila...hmmm wonder what happened. I appreciate you stopping by!

      Reply
  24. Denise

    March 19, 2013 at 6:52 am

    Happy SITS Day! Well, at least I manage to throw out the junk mail as soon as it gets in...and I keep the kindergartener's stuff in a magazine holder in the pantry. But my "important" papers just have a little stack in the pantry jumbled up together. Maybe I'll try the binder thing.
    visiting from http://stlmotherhood.com/ (I hate it when Comment Luv goes down!)

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:56 pm

      Hi Denise! Thanks for stopping by! Yes Commentluv is acting up..gotta check it out and add that to my list. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Dana

    March 19, 2013 at 6:55 am

    I try to deal with papers and either trash or file them right away, but sometimes there are things that need to stay on the back burner for a while. We are planning our new kitchen, and I'm having two paper slots (kind of like mail bins in an office) under the desk/cabinet area - so papers are not everywhere but they are within reach and in my line of vision so I don't forget about them.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:57 pm

      Oh I love the idea of paper slots! Congrats (in advance) on your new kitchen. How fun to plan it!

      Reply
  26. Michelle

    March 19, 2013 at 7:14 am

    I like your idea of the folders...I am in the process of trying to figure out what the best system is for us in the kitchen! That might just work!!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks Michelle, yes finding out what will work for you is key so that you can maintain it. Appreciate you stopping by!

      Reply
  27. Tonya @ The Traveling Praters

    March 19, 2013 at 7:15 am

    I consider myself fairly organized until it comes to paper clutter and then I just can't pull it together. I love the binder idea and used to keep a basket for bills as they arrived. I think I need to go back to that

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:58 pm

      Sometimes it is hard when the papers keep coming at ya! Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  28. Shavonn

    March 19, 2013 at 8:00 am

    Happy SITS!

    I am inspired! I have so much... paper around. The accordion file just isn't doing it anymore! I really need to, at least, get a mail caddy.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 9:59 pm

      The mail caddy works great. I just do not like seeing piles. Thank you for your sweet comment!

      Reply
  29. Jamie

    March 19, 2013 at 8:44 am

    I really need to do something like this, however, I'm just not sure if I'd follow through with it 😉 LOL

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:00 pm

      Yes, the key is to find which method will work for you. Thank you for stopping by Jamie!

      Reply
  30. Lisa

    March 19, 2013 at 9:10 am

    This is a great idea! I want to incorporate this into my own organization.

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:00 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Lisa!

      Reply
  31. Caren with a C

    March 19, 2013 at 9:10 am

    Great ideas. I've been meaning to get one of those organizer stations. I love the binder idea too. I have just the spot in the kitchen for this. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:01 pm

      Yes, kitchen space is prime property! Hope you find a spot. 🙂

      Reply
  32. Chris Carter

    March 19, 2013 at 10:22 am

    What great ideas!! I love the binders idea- and changing the covers to add to the house decor! That is awesome! Happy SITS day!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:01 pm

      Thank you Chris! They really help!

      Reply
  33. Laura

    March 19, 2013 at 10:22 am

    I have a paper center in my kitchen also, but it is a lot smaller and I have mine hanging on the wall, because I do not have much cabinet space. I like the binders you use.

    Happy SITS Day!!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      Thanks Laura - your hanging system sounds great!

      Reply
  34. Classic NYer

    March 19, 2013 at 10:28 am

    I'm so envious of your organization system... seriously, so envious...

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      he he...thanks!

      Reply
  35. Cassandra

    March 19, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Brilliant! You've given me the perfect way to organize myself when I finally get to move back in with my fiance! 🙂 thank you thank you thank you!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      You are welcome and Thank YOU for stopping by Cassandra!

      Reply
  36. Adrienn

    March 19, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    Great post! Stopping by from SITS.I like the folder idea. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:03 pm

      Thank you Adrienn!

      Reply
  37. The Roving Retorter

    March 19, 2013 at 5:13 pm

    I've got this kind of system going pretty well in my home - now I just need to replicate it in my office!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:03 pm

      Yes, see what will work best for you. You will love not seeing the piles.

      Reply
  38. Akaleistar

    March 19, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    Great ideas! Happy SITS Day!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  39. Jackie aka-Missouri Farm Chick

    March 20, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    I really struggle with mail piling up. Thanks for these wonderful tips! I'm going to try harder to stay organized and this will surely help!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 21, 2013 at 10:05 pm

      Thank you Jackie! I am glad you find them helpful!

      Reply
  40. Jean Lynd

    March 24, 2013 at 4:03 pm

    Great ideas! I hate my paper overflow. Happy SITS day, late 🙂

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      March 26, 2013 at 9:13 pm

      Thank you for stopping by Jean!

      Reply
  41. homejobsbymom

    April 01, 2013 at 5:21 am

    I need to do something like this. Usually mail sits on the counter for a while until it gets sorted and then eventually makes it to the office and one day it gets filed.

    Reply
  42. Rachel @ I Love My Disorganized Life

    April 07, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    I wish I could be HALF as organized as you are, Raquel!

    Reply
    • Organizedisland

      April 08, 2013 at 6:29 am

      Oh I am sure you are Rachel! Thank you for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
  43. Susan

    May 13, 2016 at 6:41 am

    Love how pretty and organized your command center is. You've won the battle with paper clutter in such style. Congrats, you're featured this week on Simple Organization Ideas - The Best of the Best at Organized 31.

    Reply
    • Raquel

      May 13, 2016 at 9:49 am

      Thank you so much Susan - you made my day!

      Reply
  44. Juliet

    November 18, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    Great ideas! I'm swimming in paper right now and need to get it under control before the holidays. xo

    Reply
    • Raquel

      November 21, 2020 at 2:13 pm

      I know the feeling!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Raquel! I am a self-proclaimed foodie and have enjoyed cooking and baking since I was little. I loved baking cookies with my mother and grandma as a child, and later making dinners for my parents to foster my passion while in high school. I also had a passion for organizing and keeping things tidy.

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