Avoid the Paper Pile Up – Tips for Reducing Paper Clutter

In spite of the fact that so much of our communication takes place digitally, there still seems to be more paper in our lives than we’d like. In fact, the average adult receives 41 pounds of junk mail each year! If you feel like your drowning in paper, here are some tips for reducing paper clutter.

1. Consolidate both credit card and bank accounts. The more accounts you have, the more you have to monitor.

2. Cancel accounts you no longer use & go paperless for the ones you do. Your able to download & print any document for these accounts for up to 7 years (longer for most retirement accounts.) Speaking of retirement accounts, getting monthly paper statements from these should be avoided for many reasons. Annual or semi annual is best!

3. Avoid the temptation for new credit cards and the annoyance of insurance offers by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT. You can opt out for each member of your family!

4. Reduce unwanted catalogs by contacting the mail order companies directly by phone or through their web-site.

5. Use automatic transactions whenever possible. Have your employer use direct deposit for your paychecks, and pay all of your monthly bills on-line through your bank or directly.

6. Shred ATM receipts, bank deposit slips, and credit card receipts at the end of each month (once you’ve checked them against your statement).

7. Take any paper bills and statements out of the envelopes. Discard & recycle the outer envelope, and put bills in your to-pay or paid folder.

8. Have a set routine regarding bill paying. For example, pay bills on the same day every month. When bills are left un-paid they negatively affect your credit rating.

9. Opt to receive your bank and credit card statements on-line. This will save time, reduce the amount of paper clutter you receive & help to save the environment.

10. Touch each piece of paper that comes into your home at least once. Take care of what you can immediately. Put the date in your calendar, send the check, RSVP. and be done! File anything that needs filing & recycle the rest.