Simpleology Blog

Paper Problem. Can't handle your piles all alone? Companies like Clutter Organizers do the dirty work for you--for a fee, of course. Photo shows one of their clients' problem areas.

As much as pundits have been predicting that ours will soon be a "paperless society," I don't think we could do without paper entirely.

Necessary Trail
I'm not just saying that because I want to romanticize snail mail and greeting cards. There are documents that you need to keep. The question is, "Which ones and how long?"

Guess what? It's not that complicated.

"While slogging through masses of paper, it's hard to shake the nagging feeling that you'll need something again. Chances are you won't," assures Money magazine's Cybele Weisser in "Take Charge."

In the same article, professional organizer Robin Blank, who runs Chaos Consulting in Boston, points out: "I'd say that 80 percent of the paper that goes into your home will never be looked at again."

Bottom line: Just hold on to the papers that matter. Don't let your paper trails grow into a monstrous pile that could easily take over your home and your life.

Anti-Clutter Guide
To identify which papers to keep, and for how long, use Weisser's guide:

One month: Credit card and ATM receipts (or until you get your monthly statement); receipts for small-ticket items as long as they can be returned (likely 30 days)

One year: Paid utility bills; monthly and quarterly bank, brokerage, and credit card statements; and paycheck stubs until you get your W-2

Seven years: Tax returns, receipts for major purchases, and year-end credit card, bank, and brokerage statements

Indefinitely: Medical records, receipts for home improvements, mortgage documents, current insurance policies, and warranties until they expire

Clean Slate
"Once you have a clean slate, [you just have to consistently minimize] the paper inflow into your life," adds Weisser. "Take your name off mailing lists. If possible, shift to electronic statements for your frequent-flier, brokerage, and fund accounts. You can often opt to receive bills via e-mail as well."

By taking these anti-waste measures, you're also doing the earth a lot of good.

Still, despite the benefits of minimizing paper, I have to admit that it's still a necessity for some very important things--such as birth certificates and, of course, really great books. I like sniffing book pages, thank you very much. I can't do that with an e-book, can I?

So, yes, I'm all for being paperless in the future--as long as old-fashioned books are still around.

Credits: Photo from Clutter Organizers