When helping my clients reorganize, downsize, and minimize, I come across A LOT of paper. So much paper that I’ve been curious how much paper is still floating around. According to Waste-Free Mail, “Every year, Americans use more than 90 million short tons of paper and paperboard. That’s an average of 700 pounds of paper products per person each year. “
Ok, now I feel better. This explains why so many of us are still struggling with paper chaos and clutter. If you are in this camp you might want to rethink the Keepsake Box. Let me explain.
A “Keepsake Box” has been traditionally used for child memories, all things childhood and school related. I set up one for each of my ABCs and they work fantastic to keep all of the memories contained and organized. But guess what? This system is perfect for all kinds of categories. Therefore, I’m going to give you several different ways to implement a Keepsake Box for all things paper organization.
Paper Organization: Keepsake Boxes
(1) Kid Box: Like I mentioned this is the “traditional” way I use them. You can print a free printable HERE (along with many other free printables) that lists a selection of file folder labels for your convenience. Setting up a box like this while your kids are young is such a great idea.
(2) Bill Box: The number one paper struggle (from what I see) is managing the incoming and outgoing of bills, statements, and the like. Organizing a “Bill Box” would be a fantastic way to streamline the process. You could set up a file for each vendor or company you pay regularly and/or create file tabs for the payment due dates such as – week one, week two, week three.
(3) Project Box: You can go any direction with this theme. Wether working on a big project like a major house renovation, or helping your high school senior decide between their top 10 college picks, or even planning a wedding. A “Project Box” could be a life-saver and a way to help you keep a place for everything, and everything in its place.
(4) Life Box: While children certainly have many memories, so do we as adults. Setting up a “Life Box” would be an excellent way to better coordinate where you hold the things that you want to save. I personally keep things like this organized in our hope chest but having a file system for those items you want to save, such as treasured cards, special photos, articles, or information would be a great way to know where to put what where.
(5) Holiday Box: Looking for a place to keep all things holiday related? A “Holiday Box” could be just that! Have a favorite Valentine’s Day cookie recipe? This could go in the Valentine’s Day file. Want a place to tuck away your favorite Christmas cards that you’ve received? There could be a file for that too. All your Thanksgiving recipes in one place – check!
Move your Piles to Files!
Most importantly, never underestimate the power of a file box. But as I say this I also want to encourage you to keep a BIG picture mind-set. Don’t keep paper just to keep paper. Move digitally as much as you can and be realistic about the time and energy you have to be able to sift and sort through things.
My favorite file boxes are IRIS brand and I like the rainbow-colored Amazon brand file folders (they come in a pack of 25.) *Affiliate Link*
Remember, sometimes the most refreshing way to deal with unnecessary paper is to simply recycle it! Not sure where to recycle? Check out Earth 911.
Happy Organizing!