You’ve Got Mail
July 23, 2009
Now what?
Don’t let that mail pile up! Attacking your mail each day only takes a few minutes. Really…follow me!
#1 Pick up mail
#2 Open mail, separate by category (55 seconds)
Here are my categories:
- recycle (all envelopes, marketing stuffers, junk mail)
- shred (credit card offers)
- publications to read
- bills to pay
#3 Place piles in their “homes” (1 minute, 5 seconds)
I traveled to:
- paper recycling bin in laundry room
- magazine basket in living room
- “to shred” box in office
- “action, bill ” center in office
See, literally minutes.
Having “homes” and a process set up will help you do this in minutes as well. Clutter is delayed decisions. When people don’t have a system, they will tend to leave items, like the mail, where they land. Entry tables, stairs or kitchen counter tops become overwhelmed by mail piles. Take a few minutes to set up a system. It will be worth it!
July 23, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I have two mailboxes – at home for personal and PO for business. One thing I do which is very helpful is that I open all my PO mail at the PO, tossing all envelopes and wrappings, all junk mail, magazine wrappers and inserts right into their recycle bins. So, I walk home, often, with nothing, or one small item. I tear up the credit card offers there (I’m bad, I know!) and distribute them across several different bins, so in my little mind, it’s kind of like shredding. And, often, I pick up my home mail on the way to the PO, so I sort and toss that mail at the PO as well. It helps…
July 23, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Excellent!