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I
talk about the mail a lot in my newsletter, Organewz, and to my clients. I
write about it again because I have seen so many people still without one
place for their mail. The worst part is the anxiety that goes along with not
knowing where a bill or water shut off notice is! It is just too nervewracking!
Here is how to create a complete mail center. Include the following
(altogether in one spot):
1. large table for sorting
2. Trash can
3. Folder or wall pocket labeled
"bills". Inside this folder or wall hanging pocket, I like to have two
folders for bills due at the beginning of the month 1-15 and bills due
towards the end of the month 15-30. Many companies will allow you to
schedule your bill due dates. That makes it easy to consolidate them either
in the beginning or end of the month.
4. A "Pending" folder or a tickler file.
Designate one place for those little scraps of paper, such as wedding
invitations, appointments to schedule, and information to enter into the
computer.
A tickler file includes slots for each day of the month 1-31, and each month
of the year, Jan-Dec. That way, you can place each scrap of paper on a
specific day of the year. That gives a definitive time and date for taking
action on the "pending" items. (check out the product link below)
If you choose to have a general pending file, look through the file every so
often (depending on how pressing the tasks are) and take action.
The thing that is wonderful about a tickler file, is that both "hot" and
"warm" tasks can go into it, and if you review your next day's tasks, you
will not forget to complete the tasks.
With a general "pending" or "now" folder, it is easier to forget to look
through the file and take action.
You can also paperclip these scraps into your calendar, just be wary of the
papers falling out or creating too much bulk.
5. To File- for mail coming in that
doesn't require any action, just put it in the "to file" basket or hanging
wall pocket. When it gets full, take the time to file the papers away.
Another use for this category is to put the stubs after you've paid your
bills in the "to file" pile. Or you can file them straightaway after bill
paying. It depends on your energy levels!
You do need to have a file system intact. (stay tuned for the next issue of
Organewz). If you do not currently have a file system, start separating your
papers using manila folders. Label the folder using a title you would think
to look back on. So if you just got your lawn cut, for example, don't label
the folder by the lawn company. Not many people even know the name of their
lawn company! Just label the folder, "lawn" or "home maintenance".
6. Medical reimbursements- I include
this category as an optional one, depending on your insurance company. Some
people have the arduous task of having to submit receipts to their medical
insurance company. Believe me, this can involve a lot of paper. If this
speaks to you, keep another wall hanging pocket for medical reimbursements
in your mail center.
7. Outgoing Mailbox-one really wonderful
item to include in your mail center is an outgoing mail box. All this means
is for you to pickup an attractive box and put scissors, envelopes, scotch
tape, stamps, return address labels, and pens inside of it. Having an
outgoing mailbox makes paying bills easier because everything you need is
onhand in one location!
Review- After the mailperson comes, pick up the mail onto your mailsorting
table. Throw out the junk mail immediately. Open the rest of the mail. Put
the items not requiring any action in the "to file" pocket. Put the bills in
the "bills" pocket. The medical receipts in the "medical receipts" pocket.
Any other piece of paper requiring action goes into your tickler file or
paperclipped in your calendar to complete on a certain date.
It is my hope that by creating a mail center, you can continue to wage your
war on clutter and gain the balanced life that you so deserve.
About the Author: Rebekah Slatkin is a
professional organizer dedicated to getting people organized through
hands-on decluttering sessions, teleconferencing, coaching, and her website
http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com
Visit
http://www.best-organizing-products-superstore.com and subscribe to
Organewz, her ezine dedicated to organized living and get organizing tips-
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