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One of the most overwhelming aspects of clutter is how it sometimes seems to be everywhere, which is most definitely true of paper clutter.
Kitchen counters, tables, couches, and pretty much any flat surface can all be popular hangouts for this intimidating nemesis, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It shouldn’t be that way!
Here are three reasons you need to eliminate paper clutter from your life today!
Keep things from falling through the cracks
It’s hard to stay on top of things when our homes are filled with paper clutter. Bills get misplaced and go unpaid, invitations get lost, special events are missed, and important information goes unnoticed because it’s all piled randomly around our homes instead of being organized and managed.
Clutter makes us feel bad
Having a home filled with clutter leaves me feeling drained, overwhelmed, anxious, and like I hate my home.
Where we live should be our haven. We should feel comfortable and at peace when we’re at home, but if all we see is clutter and chaos it’s hard to relax.
Easier on family & friends during emergencies
I hate planning for the worst, but it’s better to be prepared and not need need it than need it and not have it. In times of emergencies and family stress, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through piles looking for important paperwork.
The third reason is so crucial! So morbid but until you’ve had to be the one to deal with that, you don’t know how invaluable it can be to have things organized. I’m still guilty of keeping paper I probably don’t need. In paper bags stuffed in my closet, no less! These are great tips Emily.
Thanks, Nina! Yes, unfortunately, being disorganized can make a difficult situation much worse.
We all need to reed this.
Thank you for joining us at Thoughts of Home.
Laura
White Spray Paint
Thanks for hosting and visiting, Laura!
Emily, my home has never been cluttered, with the exception of my office, mainly my (large) desk. I agree with you: paper clutter has to go! January 2015 I began conquering the magazine collection that was neatly housed in a wall of bookcases in my office (thus appearing to not be a “problem”). It took more than a year, but by gradually going through the magazines and getting rid of them, I also conquered the addiction/attraction. I think I’ve only brought two magazines into the house since! So the project for 2016 is to get rid of the piles of paper that accumulate on my desk. Wish me luck! Your “3 Reasons” post is very motivating and encouraging.
That’s great, Jean! Taking your time to work through your collection was a good idea. Did you think it would help you lose interest in them or was that just a happy by-product? Good luck with the papers on your desk! I’m sure you can do it 🙂
I hate paper clutter!! Thanks for sharing at the Monday Funday Party. – Emily
Have tried to sign up for The Paper Cut…but so far haven’t received any emails. Have signed up for the 31 Day Challenge and received confirmation. Was hoping to get started on the paper while I wait for the 31 Day Challenge to start. Can.yo.u help? Please and thanks!
Hi Dona, I’m sorry to hear that, but I’d love help. According to my e-mail provider, the email address associated with this comment should be receiving my general emails, but has not be subscribed to the paper cut for some reason. Have you subscribed through the paper cut page? <--- You can click those words to sign up if you haven't already. If you have, then something must be going wrong on the tech side. Either way, we'll get you those e-mails asap. Thanks so much for letting me know there's been a problem. I really appreciate it.