Several months back, our normal routine for bringing the mail was to simply lay it on the counter in the kitchen, until we found the time to go through it. Sometimes the stack would just get bigger and bigger; it was always in the way of things I had to do in the kitchen; and I was getting more and more frustrated!
A friend of mine suggested the following organization tip for sorting my daily mail, and I have to tell you — THIS IS AMAZING, and IT WORKS!!
Today, when we bring in the mail, we have a spot in our kitchen that is used specifically for mail. It took a matter of about 3 days to get in the habit of using it, but once we saw how much better this process works, it was so easy to get in the habit of making it part of our daily routine!
So what is this fabulous organization tip, you ask? I want to first share a picture of it with you to show you how little space it takes up in my kitchen! Then I will tell you how to set it up. (The picture is really all you need to learn how to set it up…it is THAT EASY to set up!)
This little table sits right next to the door that comes into our kitchen from the outside. So this makes an excellent spot for this box to sit!
What you will need:
Iris(R) Clear Open Top File Storage
Smead Hanging File Folders, Letter, 1/5 Cut Tab, Assorted Primary Colors, 25 Per Box (64059)
Post-it Tabs, 2-Inches, Angled Lined, 4 Assorted Primary Colors, 6-Tabs/Color, 24-Tabs/Pack
Insert all of the file folders into your new Mail Storage Bin.
Mark each tab as:
- Persons name receiving mail
- To Be Paid
- To Be Filed
- To Be Read
- To Be Shredded
- Taxes
- Miscellaneous
Once you have marked all of your labels, attach them to the individual file folders.
VIOLA!!! Your new Mail Storage Bin is ready to be used!! So now what?
Each day that you retrieve your mail, get in the habit of coming inside and going directly to your Mail Storage Bin! Sort the mail right then!! Place inside the folders what needs to be kept, and then TOSS anything else IMMEDIATELY! I promise you, you will LOVE this system!! At least two or three times a week, set aside some time to go through each file folder; file what needs to be filed; shred what needs to be shredded; pay what needs to be paid, and so on.
You’re Very Welcome!!
Christi
I so need something like this! I will put this on my to-do list for next week. Now … where is my to-do list? LOL. Great idea, Christi!
Dana, if you decide to use this system, let me know how it works for you. We just love it! It is very simple to use, and keeps us organized!
‘dealing’ with the mail…always important! nice idea! <3
This works much better than the usual drop the mail on the counter until the pile gets so big the counter is taken up by nothing but mail!! LOL