Comments on: 6 Simple Steps to Make Mail & Paperwork Painless

By: My Get Things Done List » Blog Archive » Simple Living Simplified: 10 Things You Can Do Today to Simplify Your Life [zen habits]

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:03:32 +0000

[...] Simple Systems Part 1: Mail and Paperwork [...]

By: simplify. « because politics are boring

simplify. « because politics are boring — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:09:15 +0000

[...] Create a simple mail & paperwork system. If you don’t have a system, this stuff will pile up. But a simple system will keep everything in order. Here’s how. [...]

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:52:44 +0000

I just discovered Zen Habits, and I love it! Thank you! This is a great system for paper, which is my worst problem. I have already set up my incoming bin. Now I’m sorting through the stacks of older paper to file and organize. I have a cork board like Spike. I also have a recycling bin. I love it when it gets full, and I can take it down the street to the recycle center. I’m looking forward to the day I have clean table tops and counters!

By: jared mcclain

jared mcclain — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:49:50 +0000

I totally agree with the necessity of a mail system for your household. Personally I use a quarterly system, 1 hanging file with 4 folders, 1 per quarter. As I process mail all bills go the the appropriate quarterly folder, when you come to the next quarter just shred all the old (1 year old) and keep the system rotating. This system greatly reduces your time filing yet keeps information accessible if needed which for me is rarely.

As for bills, I pay on the them all automatically on the 15th of the month, earlier than necessary but I never get a late fee. Also paying bills once a month is so SIMPLE, most utility companies have a leveling plan so you can pay the same amount each month which makes this possible.

By: brynn

brynn — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:25:08 +0000

i am late to read this, but what makes the most sense to me is the inbox we all already have, and that is the mailbox. as soon as i take the mail in, i process it. i would not be able to get my mind off of mail sitting around, waiting for me.

By: GTD: Information Overload « Randomly Expressed

GTD: Information Overload « Randomly Expressed — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 23:28:52 +0000

[...] and paperwork, errands, your workflow. Anything, really. See ways to Streamline Your Life and to make your mail and paperwork painless [...]

By: Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life « scatterbrain

Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life « scatterbrain — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:00:28 +0000

[...] Create a simple mail & paperwork system. If you don’t have a system, this stuff will pile up. But a simple system will keep everything in order. Here’s how. [...]

By: 27 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Life | Abundance Blog - Marelisa Online

27 Simple Ways to Simplify Your Life | Abundance Blog - Marelisa Online — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:02:23 +0000

[...] time to file right away instead of just leaving them on the surface of your desk. (Leo over at zenhabits.net advices not to have a “to file” folder, but I find that I need this intermediate [...]

By: tathagatasaha

tathagatasaha — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:02:11 +0000

hi……………

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:29:09 +0000

My system is a mesh of the two. Sometimes I pile the mail on my “inbox”, which is a kitchen island in our entryway and go through it the same day. Sometimes it gets left there and my 18 month old son plays with it and I lose it… LOL. Thank goodness most of my bills are on autopay online.

I am going to use your suggestions and create and official inbox with all the essentials near it on my desk near my computer and I’ll see if I can get my husband on board.

I had no idea what Gcal was! LOL. I use Microsoft Outlook Calendar since it pops up warnings when things are due, etc.