Do you know that you can decrease and in some cases stop papers from entering your workplace or home? Yes, it will take a little effort on your part. But a little effort will go a long way. Even if you throw out junk mail without opening it, you are still using up a minute of your time and those minutes add up. Here are two sources that can assist you in eliminating unwanted mail:
Single source to eliminate credit card offers: 888-567-8688 or https://www.optoutprescreen.com/
Eliminate other mail through the Direct Marketing Association: http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist. Make sure to send in a form for each variation of your name.
There are additional steps that you can take to reduce certain types of mail. Evaluate the magazines that you subscribe to. One weekly and one or two monthly magazines are the maximum amount most people have time to read. Keep those magazines that you read and discontinue the others. Remember, you can always buy a single issue of a magazine that has an important article in it. If you find it difficult to read the newspaper every day, subscribe to the Friday � Sunday papers or better yet, just the Sunday edition. Don�t be tempted to sign up for store credit cards at each store that offers you a % discount for the first purchase you make with the card. Not only will you receive mail from the store, but you will also be placed on additional mailing lists.
Now it is time to decide what to do with the mail that you still have in addition to papers from other sources. First, it is important to designate a landing spot for these papers. Once you have landing location, you may find it helpful to set up pre-file sort options. These are action folders to help you be more efficient in your use of time when you are ready to actually do something with the papers. Some suggestions for action categories include:
* To Pay
* To File
* To Read
* To Do
* To Call
* To Delegate
* To Attend
* To Enter (into the computer, your planner, etc.)
* To Buy
* To Write
* To Copy
* To Discuss
I recommend setting up three to six of these action folders. Do not place them in traditional in/out bins. Items get lost in those, never to be found again! Instead, place them in a sorter that keeps the folders in a vertical position (found in most office stores). You can use plain manila folders or ones with colors that will spur you into action. Make sure you label the folders clearly.
As you open mail or look at papers, think �what do I need to do next?� The answer to this question will determine the appropriate action folder. Then designate a time in your schedule to take action on the papers. If you do not make time to act on the papers, all you have is organized papers that never get processed and this leads to events you didn�t to attend, client meetings that you missed, and bills that are late.
If you take these steps, you will be on your way to becoming more organized with your papers.
