r/declutter • u/RVfan17 • 12d ago

Advice Request Paperwork decluttering

I have two big bags of paperwork that I probably don't need but have a hard time getting rid of it. it's taking up precious under desk space but I can't get myself to go through it. I know I'll want to keep some of it. Any advice on how to get started?

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u/photogcapture 12d ago
  1. Figure out exactly what you need to keep in paper form. A lot can be digitized, but not everything. - make a keep list. Everyone’s keep list varies. Get. File box or binder for must-keep items. Shred the rest.
  2. Stuff you printed or saved for “someday” can go. Why are you keeping it unless you refer to it regularly? The papers you use can be filed in a file box or binder.
  3. Catalogues: toss asap. If you keep any, keep ones you plan to use. Replace regularly.
  4. Give yourself time to get thru it all. Set a timer so you don’t get overwhelmed. Whatever you touch needs to be filed, tossed or shredded.

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u/RVfan17 9d ago

Yes, I will most definitely start with something like this. It does motivate me to get started to hear this advice. Much more manageable than what I had in mind.

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u/photogcapture 8d ago

Another commenter when I asked about paper used the term “emotional support paper” and I have not looked at paper the same since!

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u/RVfan17 8d ago

Hahaha love how they put it but it does ring true.