Floating Paperwork
If there is one thing I am never happy about at home, it's the clutter. The paperwork, the junk drawer, the eye sores. Today I created a simple system for organizing the "floating paperwork" in my house. I'm talking the bills, the letters, the coupons, etc. All of these things I want/need to save - but I hate how they linger on my dining room table, and even in my "To Do" basket:
It's ugly, it's clutter, it can cause problems when something can't be found, and every day more of it arrives:
So here's what I did: I pulled out two things I already had on hand, decorative file folders {mine are from Cavallini & Co., keep an eye out at places like Homegoods & Tuesday Morning for inexpensive packs}, and a decorative hanging folder {this is from Wendy Addison's beautiful line, however, I don't believe it is still in production - something like this can very easily be made! More on that later...}
Just throwing papers in the hanging folder haphazardly won't do it, papers do best when sorted specifically into their respective categories.
One could very easily create a hanging folder such as mine with some heavy cardstock/light cardboard available at craft stores, pinking shears, grommets, and ribbon. Score the folding edge with several lines to make it flexible just the way most hanging folders in your office are.
Thread a ribbon through the grommets as such and viola! - you have a hanging folder. Decorate or stamp the cover to make it especially pretty.
I can't explain what relief it was to sort all my floating paper into separate, pretty folders {am I uptight or what?} Here is my letter writing folder - I finally have a good place to stick our address labels!
Coupons are just another paper item I have a love/hate relationship with. I like them better now that they're stored and out of sight! I love 'em when I'm paying the cashier, hate 'em when they're lounging around my house.
Fussy I may be, but I can't tell you how nice it is to see this instead of cluttered bills, mail, & clippings:
It's ugly, it's clutter, it can cause problems when something can't be found, and every day more of it arrives:
So here's what I did: I pulled out two things I already had on hand, decorative file folders {mine are from Cavallini & Co., keep an eye out at places like Homegoods & Tuesday Morning for inexpensive packs}, and a decorative hanging folder {this is from Wendy Addison's beautiful line, however, I don't believe it is still in production - something like this can very easily be made! More on that later...}
Just throwing papers in the hanging folder haphazardly won't do it, papers do best when sorted specifically into their respective categories.
One could very easily create a hanging folder such as mine with some heavy cardstock/light cardboard available at craft stores, pinking shears, grommets, and ribbon. Score the folding edge with several lines to make it flexible just the way most hanging folders in your office are.
Thread a ribbon through the grommets as such and viola! - you have a hanging folder. Decorate or stamp the cover to make it especially pretty.
I can't explain what relief it was to sort all my floating paper into separate, pretty folders {am I uptight or what?} Here is my letter writing folder - I finally have a good place to stick our address labels!
Coupons are just another paper item I have a love/hate relationship with. I like them better now that they're stored and out of sight! I love 'em when I'm paying the cashier, hate 'em when they're lounging around my house.
Fussy I may be, but I can't tell you how nice it is to see this instead of cluttered bills, mail, & clippings:
While I didn't have to craft my hanging folder, even if you do, this project won't take long to set up! Or perhaps you already have a system for paperwork? I didn't, but I do now!
My other resolution for 2011 is to post more often!! So far, it's going well.
My other resolution for 2011 is to post more often!! So far, it's going well.
6 *´¯`* ℓσvεℓү cσммεηтs *´¯`*
Great idea! There are some very pretty file folders at Tuesday Morning. I may have to invest in them so that I can do this project.
ReplyDeleteThe Michael's coupons caught my eye immediately :)
GREAT JOB, I LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteIm def feeling inspired! I have those "Fly" note cards too :) $1 bin at Michaels is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteHeather - you must have read my mind when you posted this! I'm really good at organizing everything but paper. It all goes on my desk and piles up and looks terrible. Luckily, my "desk" is an armoire so I can close the door but it bothers me even knowing it's there. And I know what you mean about the coupons! I feel the same way!
ReplyDeleteMy resolution for January is only bring home containers and vintage items that help me get organized. So far I am saving a lot of money. Helps that I am not getting out much.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is a decorative file folder which is amazing. I've never seen this before. I was impressed with the decorating ideas that have a file folder like this. Whether you wish to share information on how to create a file folder so that it can be this good?
ReplyDeleteLark & Lola love hearing from you!