MAIL! It seems we all have a love/hate relationship with our mailbox. We love getting invitations, birthday cards, pictures of friends, and thank you notes but we all hate getting junk, credit card bills, credit card offers, etc. It’s not so much what’s in our mailbox that we hate it’s how it accumulates on our kitchen tables, on the ottoman, or the desk. So how do you deal with the mail?
One thing is certain, in order to keep your mail organized, it must be dealt with! As soon as the mail enters the house – deal with it. Sort it in three categories – to FILE, to TOSS, and to ACT. If it gets tossed, shred it or throw it away immediately. This includes all ads that you don’t need or credit card offers that you do not need. If it needs filed, put it in a basket or bin to be filed. It’s ok to wait and file a week’s worth of mail on Saturday. Just don’t put it off too long. Filing should happen at least once a week. Things that would be filed include insurance claims or receipts. And finally if the mail requires your action you need to put in a place that is visible. You’ll only remember to do it if you see it. Maybe a heavy duty magnetic clip on your fridge would work for you. Or a basket by your computer where you spend the majority of your time. Items that require action include wedding invitations, the water bill, etc.
Set up your system and stick to it. Each person in the household who receives mail needs a system or else the entire system fails. Communication is key!
Good luck. With an organization system in place, I hope your relationship with the mailbox becomes a loving one!
Click here for more mail tips.
Subscribe via RSS