How to get rid of clutter paperwork

The question of what to do with papers – mail, faxes, printouts, and notes – can seem so overwhelming that before you know it, you’re faced with stacks of clutter. Remember this system, and you’ll be sure to keep papers from piling up.

Toss: When in doubt about whether to throw something away, ask yourself if the information is available elsewhere, should you need it. Remember, you can throw the memo away if you write the time of the meeting on your calendar.

Refer: Pass the paper on to someone else who can handle it better. Forward information requests to people who have the information.

Action: Some papers must be personally attended to. When possible, write your reply directly on the letter or memo, then send it back.

File: Save your important papers – the trick is to remember where you filed them.