Do you have a problem with paper? Does it seem to multiply overnight? Do you clean out your desk, only to find an intimidating pile there just a few days later?

You are not alone. Most of my clients struggle with handling paper, and I myself have a weekly battle with my desk top.

Here are some guidelines to help you understand the sea of ​​paper.

1. If a document has multiple pages, staple them together.
2. If a document does not have a date to indicate when it was generated, give it a date. Examples: “August 2010” or “Received 8/23/10.”
3. If a document is in an envelope, take it out and unfold it. It’s hard to tell what a piece of paper says if it’s hidden inside an opaque wrapper! (Need to save the envelope because it has identifying information that doesn’t appear on the document itself? Staple it to the back of the document.)
4. If you have multiple copies of a document, use sticky notes to mark them as “Original” or “Copy.”
5. If an action is required of you, write it at the top of the document. Example: “Call the broker and ask about the latest interest rate.” This will eliminate the need to reread the document every time you come across it.
6. If the action has an expiration date, add the expiration date. Example: “Register for fall classes by August 25, 2010.” This will allow you to pull out urgent documents the next time you go through your stack.
7. If a document is less than two pages, do not send it to the printer. Read it on the screen.

Try these tips and let me know if they help with your paper management issues.