Paper is one of the biggest problems for people. There is too much and it is easy to get left behind, often making people feel like they are literally drowning.

By following the PEACE plan, you will be able to regain your sanity for your current and future role in your life.

How does that sound?

P = Permission to release.

Get this… 80% of the paper you keep will never come back to you!

So, you officially have permission to let it go! How does it feel? A little scary?

Okay, because I’m going to ask you to start with the easy stuff.

Start with the accumulation of bills, receipts, warranties, prescriptions, articles and old bank statements. Make sure you have your recycling bin and shredder close at hand. (wink)

as a quick tipIf you’re overwhelmed with all the paper around your desk, turn a stack upside down and start at the bottom. Most likely, these papers can be thrown away.

E = Evaluate the papers you have.

Sometimes it is out of habit that we keep filing papers that we no longer need. Just because there is a file for it doesn’t mean you have to keep it. The key to evaluating the role is to ask the right questions. With better questions comes easier decisions and ultimately less paper!

• Can this paper be found elsewhere?
• Is this a duplicate?
• Have I needed this information before?
• Why am I keeping this in the first place?
• Am I required to keep this? If so, how long?
• What next action is needed?

A = Act accordingly.

Your piles of paper probably exist because you need to do something with individual pieces: sign, read, pay, call, research, follow up, run an errand, etc.

I am right?

The best solution is if it takes less than 2 minutes, just do it.. If it’s going to take more time and energy, go ahead and put the information on your calendar or to-do list and recycle the piece of paper. Paper no longer needs to serve as a reminder. (More permission to drop!)

If you find that paper is really necessary, I suggest a reminder system or an action book.

C = Contain and categorize your documents.

The best way to find it in less than 3 minutes is to create a specific home for your documents in places (and names) that make sense to you.

Do you have a mail center to capture your incoming mail? Is your file cabinet in the area where you pay your bills and process your paper? Are you naming the files appropriately?

The best question to ask yourself when presenting or create a home for your paper is Where will I find it? This is a more powerful and appropriate question than the most common Where should I put it?because the item is likely to land in any open horizontal space.

So when naming a file, if you naturally look up your car information in priuses instead of Automotive then by all means label it that way.

It will also help if you think in terms of categories for your article. Examples would be finances, health, hobbies, owner’s manuals, utilities, etc.

E = Electronic solutions.

There are also several ways you can take advantage of technology to reduce the amount of paper in your life.

• Receive electronic bank statements and utility bills.
• Use automatic payment for utilities and other bills.
• Opt out of receiving mailing lists: virtual and paper.
• Keep all your password and login information with SplashShopper ID on your portable electrical device or desktop computer.
• Store important documents on a secure remote server.

My hope is that you experience the freedom that comes with making PEACE with your paperonce and for all.