New Client Special $130 for 4 hours of organizing
Paper Management
CLEARING PAPER CLUTTER
ORGANIZING DAILY MAIL
The mail box is the major culprit in household clutter. Out of control, it results in wasted time locating papers, daily distraction, or possibly denial/avoidance. It can lead to household strife. Excessive paper use wastes trees and causes massive manufacturing and societal waste.
A SYSTEMATIC WAY TO ORGANIZE AND TAME THE BEAST
SORTING DAILY MAIL
* Set up a dedicated mail-only workstation; put ALL mail there-- and DON'T let it migrate.
* Use vertical or horizontal desk shelves and label slots for family members or topics. Sort consistently on a daily basis.
* Note, mail can also be handled on a weekly basis; again, the operative word is "consistent." Put it on the calendar.
AS SOON AS MAIL ARRIVES INSIDE
* Toss recyclables in the nearby bin; no need to open junk mail.
* Separate out magazines, publications, and bills.
* Slit open ALL envelopes at once, then remove all contents.
* More than one page? Paperclip or staple useful pages to keep together. Recycle extraneous pages.
FINALLY
* Review relevant mail, and dispense with it ASAP.
* Instead of shredding documents, identifiers can be deleteed with permanent marker (optional); intact pages are easily recyclable, unlike shredded paper.
BILLS
* Switch to paper-free online bills; set up automatic debits from checking account; the latter results in an excellent credit rating.
* For paper bills, immediately write check, seal envelope; attach stamps and address labels; write due date on back flap.
* Mail immediately, or save and mail close to due date (have a "tickler" reminder).
PACKAGES
* Always slit packages open the day of receipt.
* Inspect contents for order accuracy and quality.
* Try on clothing immediately for fit & styling.
* If necessary, immediately place items in labeled return packaging, seal, and return right away.
LINKS TO BLOCK INCOMING MAIL AND DE-CLUTTER THE MAILBOX.
CATALOGUES
Direct Marketing Association.
* Company that creates and sells mailing lists; advertisers do not want to waste money sending expensive catalogs where they aren't welcome.
* Thereafter catalogs will only come from companies you do business with.
* Use online e-catalogs instead, and access sites only when needed-- a good choice for impulse buyers.
* Can opt out of select charities.
* Doesn't work for local businesses; can call them directly to opt out.
https://dmachoice.thedma.org/ $2 fee
PRE-APPROVED CREDIT CARDS & INSURANCE ADS
* From the 4 Credit Bureaus
* Call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT or https://www.optoutprescreen.com/?rf=t
BLOCKING OTHER ANNOYANCES
TELEMARKETING
US Government-sponsored National Do Not Call Registry.
* FCC violation for companies to call; large fines for infractions.
* Call 1-888-382-1222 or http://www.Donotcall.gov
ROBOCALLS AND CALL CENTER TELEMARKETING
* NoMoRoBo blocks calls immediately and effectively. Phone rings once, then stops; free for landlines, $20/yr for mobile.
* Calls that get through can be reported and permanently blocked.
* Helpful for seniors, and especially caretakers; reduces targeting the [lonely] elderly by unethical marketers, fake charities, and outright scams.
* Explain "the phone company can tell when someone is trying to take your money, and phone will only ring once."
* If outgoing caller ID shows "Unavailable" or "Private Caller," your service provider can block these; providers have recently stepped up their efforts.
CHARITIES
* Before donating, always do your own due diligence.
* Phone solicitations mostly low-rated charities, possibly even scams.
* Charity Navigator rates charities from 1- to 4-star; scroll to bottom to see the sometimes multi-million $$ CEO salaries.
https://tinyurl.com/okytdhh
YELLOW PAGE PHONE BOOKS
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE BEGINNING THE JOURNEY
TOWARD A LESS CLUTTERED HOME!
