20 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Paper Clutter Right Now

Need to tackle your piles of paper clutter but now sure where or how to start? Don’t worry! Try these 20 quick ways to get rid of paper clutter right now and make your home clearer and more organised too!

THE PERIL OF PAPER CLUTTER!

I’ve recently had quite a few readers ask about quick ways to get rid of paper clutter. Paperwork builds up every day, from school letters and receipts to junk mail and old magazines.

It’s daunting, time-consuming and confusing working out how to deal with the influx so many people get behind on their filing, storing and shredding.

Not only does this create extra clutter but it also means we’re not as productive or efficient. Maybe we can’t find things when we need them, including important documents and it takes up space – on kitchen counters, table tops, our desk and even the floor!?

You might even find yourself moving your paper piles from one place to another as you try to tidy, sort and organise your home. In fact, this is just shifting your clutter so perhaps it’s time to get a little more tough with your paper piles!?

I thought it might be helpful and fun to put together a list of some quick bits of paper clutter that you can pretty confidently get rid of right now.

So, if you don’t have the time, energy or inclination to set up a system for dealing with your paperwork or those stacks of paper piles, you might enjoy this list instead to get some quick wins over your paper clutter.

20 QUICK WAYS TO GET RID OF PAPER CLUTTER RIGHT NOW

When it comes to decluttering, paperwork can be one of the trickiest things to tackle. It has a way of piling up and taking over, and before you know it, you’ve got stacks of paper that just seem to multiply. But I know from experience that once you get rid of the unnecessary papers, you’ll feel lighter, more organised, more in control and you’ll free up some serious space.

Here are 20 quick ways to get rid of paper clutter right now. Are you ready to tackle those painful paper piles?

1. Old Bills You’ve Already Paid

Most of us hold onto old utility or credit card bills “just in case.” If you’ve already paid them and they’re more than a year old, it’s time to let them go. Most companies keep digital records if you ever need them or you can find them online if you register for an online account.

2. Expired Coupons and Vouchers

How many times have you found an amazing coupon in a drawer only to realise it expired months ago? Get rid of any old coupons or vouchers you’ve been hanging onto – you’ll feel so much better without those scraps cluttering up your space.

3. Receipts for Everyday Purchases

Unless it’s for something you might return or a high value item you need for warranty purposes, there’s no need to keep receipts for things like groceries or coffee. They’re just taking up space, and you’ll likely never need them. Tick them off your bank statement each month and get rid of them. Here are some more tips on how to simplify your finances and manage your money more easily.

4. Outdated Insurance Policies

If you’ve switched providers or updated your policy, go ahead and recycle the outdated paperwork. Holding onto old policies can just lead to confusion, so keep only your current policy documents on hand.

5. Old Tax Returns

While it’s important to keep tax documents for the required number of years (check the requirements for your country and individual circumstances), anything older than that can go. This is a big one that frees up so much space in a filing cabinet.

6. Junk Mail and Unread Flyers

Junk mail is like a sneaky culprit in the paperwork world – it’s always coming in and piling up. Go through your pile and get rid of all the junk mail and flyers you’re never going to read or need.

7. Magazines You’ll Never Read Again

If you have a collection of old magazines you keep for the occasional browse, consider parting with them. Anything you want to reference later can usually be found online.

8. Outdated Warranty Cards and Manuals

For items you no longer own or warranties that have expired, let them go. Many manuals are also available online, so there’s no need to hang onto every booklet that came with an appliance.

9. Old Event Programmes and Tickets

Event tickets and programmes can have sentimental value, but if they’re not particularly meaningful, it’s time to say goodbye. For the really special ones, consider taking photos of them instead.

10. Previous Medical Records and Prescriptions

Keep important health records, but any prescription leaflets, outdated medical summaries, or duplicate documents can go. Your doctor’s office can provide records if needed, so you don’t need to hang on to every bit of medical paperwork.

11. Invitations to Past Events

Unless they have sentimental value, invitations to events that have already happened aren’t worth keeping around. They’ve served their purpose, and now they’re just adding to the clutter.

12. Receipts for Items You Can’t Return

If you bought something months ago and can’t return it anymore, it’s time to recycle the receipt. Holding onto these won’t do any good once the return window is closed.

13. Old Bank Statements

With digital banking, you probably don’t need all those old paper statements anymore. Shred anything over a year old, especially if you can access it online, and keep only the ones you truly need for reference.

14. Pay Slips

Unless they’re needed for tax purposes (again check the requirements that are relevant to you), old pay slips can go. Having a drawer full of pay slips from 20 years ago just takes up space, and you’ll rarely need to look at them again.

15. Unnecessary To Do Lists

If you’ve completed an old To Do list or project plan, you don’t need to keep it around. Once the tasks are done, get rid of the list. Keeping outdated lists can be mentally draining as well – out of sight, out of mind! You might enjoy these other organisation habits to help you stay clutter-free and organised.

16. User Manuals for Outdated Technology

If you’ve upgraded your phone, computer, or other devices, you can let go of the user manuals and paperwork that came with the old devices. Manuals for these are often available online anyway.

17. Expired Product Rebates or Offers

Any product rebate offers or promotions that have expired are just creating clutter. Check through any you might be holding onto and ditch the ones that are no longer valid.

18. Loyalty Cards for Stores You Don’t Visit

Those loyalty cards can pile up quickly! If you haven’t visited a particular store in ages or if you don’t use their rewards programme, go ahead and recycle the card. Many stores now have digital loyalty programmes as well, so you can save room in your wallet or purse.

19. School Papers and Old Assignments

For those with kids (or if you’re holding onto your own old work), let go of school papers or assignments that no longer have relevance. Keep a few pieces with sentimental value and put them in a memory box, but there’s no need for every worksheet or report.

20. Mismatched Envelopes and Empty Folders

Sometimes we end up with spare envelopes or empty folders that have lost their purpose. If you don’t need them for something specific, consider recycling them to free up space.

TIPS FOR MANAGING PAPER CLUTTER MOVING FORWARD

Now that you’ve tackled some of the biggest paper culprits, let’s look at a few quick tips for keeping paperwork clutter in check:

• Go Paperless Where Possible: Most banks, utility companies, and service providers offer paperless billing and online records. Opt-in to reduce the amount of paper coming into your home.
• Create a Filing System: Set up an organised filing system with categories for documents you need to keep, like taxes, insurance, and warranties. That way, you’ll know exactly where everything is and can easily locate important documents. Here are some tips on decluttering paperwork and setting up a simple filing system.
• Shred Sensitive Documents: For any papers containing personal information, make sure to shred them instead of just tossing them in the bin. It’s a simple step to protect your identity and keep your information secure.
• Schedule Regular Decluttering Sessions: Make it a habit to go through your paperwork at least a couple of times a year. A quick check-in every six months can help you stay on top of things and prevent another big build-up. I also try to do a daily sweep of my home and counters just to keep control of the clutter from the day. Read more about creating a daily decluttering routine to help your home and life run more smoothly!
• Digitise When Possible: Scanning important documents and storing them digitally can save a lot of physical space. There are lots of apps and services available that can help you keep a secure digital record of your documents. Don’t forget to declutter your digital clutter sometimes too!

CONCLUSION

Dealing with your paper clutter can be such a freeing experience! By letting go of what you no longer need, you’re creating space, reducing stress, and making your life a bit easier to manage. After all, paperwork is probably one of the top clutter problems I get asked about! So, if you struggle with dealing with your paper clutter, please know you’re not alone!

I hope you found this list of 20 quick ways to get rid of paper clutter helpful. Once you’ve gotten rid of these bits and bobs, you’ll find that staying on top of the paper clutter more generally becomes so much easier. And who doesn’t want a clearer, more organised space? Give it a go – you’ve got this!

GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE!

If you’re inspired to carry on decluttering and need some quick ideas and a checklist to follow, why not grab your copy of my free printable with 100 ways to declutter your home – starting today! Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…