Decluttering paperwork is one of the most common challenges I see in homes—and it’s a major source of stress. The good news? It’s totally fixable. In our recent Paperwork Declutter Online Workshop, we introduced our 6-step Space and Time Organising System —a simple and practical way to take control of your paper chaos and feel more organised every day.
Here’s how to start decluttering paperwork—without spending hours buried in a pile of paper.
Step 1: Stop More Paper Coming In
You can’t clear the clutter if more keeps arriving. Reduce your intake with these quick wins:
- Unsubscribe from physical bills and opt for email versions
- Say no to junk mail with a letterbox sign
- Cancel paper newsletters or catalogues you never read
- Only keep essential receipts
Step 2: Your Commitment to Being Organised (Commit to Decluttering)
Consistency is key when it comes to clearing paperwork. It’s not about doing it all in one sitting—it’s about creating a regular habit that chips away at the mess over time.
Start small: set a timer for just 10 minutes a day. Use that time to focus on one pile, one drawer, or one folder. You’ll be surprised how much progress you can make with small, focused bursts of effort.
Like comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s famous productivity method, the trick is to not break the chain. Mark each day you declutter on a calendar, and aim to build a streak. The visual reminder will keep you motivated and help turn this task into a simple daily ritual.
💡 Pro tip: Keep a shredder or recycling box nearby to make the process faster and more satisfying!
Step 3: Sort Into Categories
Sorting doesn’t mean shuffling. Break down your paperwork into clear, logical groups:
- Medical: GP visits, insurance, test results
- School: reports, artwork, newsletters
- Business: tax, receipts, client documents
Keep it simple and accessible.
Step 4: Things You No Longer Need (Declutter Ruthlessly)
This step is all about making decisions and lightening the load.
As you work through your pile, ask yourself: Do I really need this? If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Recycle what you can, shred anything sensitive, or scan and save it if you’re not quite ready to part with it completely.
Don’t keep papers “just in case.” That mindset leads to clutter. Most of the time, we never go back to those documents anyway.
📌 Tip: For tax paperwork, you only need to keep records for 7 years—anything older can usually go, but check with your accountant for final consent.
💡 Quick win: Set up a “to scan” tray so you can keep moving without breaking your flow. Then, scan in batches when it suits you.
Letting go of unnecessary paper is incredibly freeing—and once you start, you’ll build momentum fast.
Step 5: Easy Storage (Store with Purpose)
Give your papers a home:
- Use labelled folders, boxes, or filing drawers
- Clear plastic sleeves for quick access
- Colour-code by category for easy sorting
- Set up storage at a convenient height for regular use
Digital options work too—apps like Evernote or Adobe Scan are great tools.
Step 6: Maintain with Ease
Once you’ve done the hard work of setting up your system, the key is to stay on top of it—without it becoming a full-time job. Get into the habit of dealing with paper as it comes in. That might mean filing it straight away, scanning it to digital storage, or simply putting it in the recycling bin. A minute or two now saves hours later.
To keep things running smoothly, block out a regular time—say, once a month—for a quick review. Check that your system is still working for you, and do a little tidy-up if needed.
💡 Pro tip: Set a recurring calendar reminder so it becomes part of your routine.
It doesn’t need to be perfect—just consistent. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping the paper clutter at bay.
Bonus: Go Digital
Use scanning apps to reduce paper clutter and make important documents searchable. Store securely with cloud backups or apps like Evernote, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Decluttering paperwork isn’t a once-off task—it’s a habit. With a bit of structure and regular upkeep, you’ll prevent piles from building up again and keep your home office running smoothly.
Your Action Plan
- ✅ Unsubscribe from unwanted mail
- ✅ Set up simple filing systems
- ✅ Schedule regular decluttering sessions
- ✅ Reach out for support if you need a hand
Still too hard?
The Space and Time team can help you get on top of your paperwork—without the stress.
👉 Book a call now and let’s get your home office under control.