In general, I truly enjoy organizing. I find it challenging and relaxing, with an end result that's worth all the hard work. Still, there are a few organizing tasks I do not enjoy.
Filing occupies the number one spot on that list. Consequently, things that need to be filed make up a significant portion of the paper clutter in my house. When the stacks grow tall enough to be annoying, I buckle down and put all the papers where they belong. The problem is that, in the meantime, there are burgeoning piles infringing on my lovely clear space.
The other day, it occurred to me that I need a better system. I've had my entire adult life to perfect this one, yet I've made little progress. And, since one of my recurring refrains in this space is that if a tool doesn't work for you, then you're probably using the wrong tool, it seemed past time for a change.
I have to admit I find it more than a little embarrassing that it took me so long to arrive at this place of practicing what I preach. In my defense, the problem here is a system, not a tool, but nevertheless, the same concept applies.
It was only when a new idea popped into my head that it all came together.
I was pondering the idea of switching to a monthly file system when I remembered that I actually have a lovely, colorful set of folders with the months printed on them -- a perfect tool for someone with an I need to see it personal style.
And the perfect nudge to make a necessary change.
As I type this, those file folders sit atop my to-be-filed pile. The next step will be to flip through the pile of paperwork and decide which items can go into monthly folders and which need to be filed by category. While it's tempting to just dump the whole pile into the current month's folder, I don't think that will be a sustainable plan. Considering how often (if at all!) I retrieve what goes into the files will be the key to deciding what goes where. In order to be functional, a filing system has to go beyond making it easy to put things away -- it has to be easy to find them again as well.
It's too soon to determine whether or not this system is a good one -- only time and usage will tell me that. But I'm excited by the prospect of not only easy de-cluttering but also easy upkeep; by the time the same month rolls around next year, I can probably toss everything from this year, ensuring that I actually clear out my files from time to time. And, doing so month by month makes that task less onerous and time-consuming.
Even if this plan isn't perfect, it's a step in the right direction. I know this because instead of inwardly groaning every time I pass that unfiled pile of papers, I can't wait to get my hands on them.
At the heart of organizing by STYLE is finding and using systems that fit. Replacing systems that are out of style (in so many ways!) is the key to making things easier both now and later, and essential to making organizing fun.
Or at least a little less cluttered.
