Handling Paper Clutter, Part 4

Using The Journal

In this month’s tip we will continue to explore ways to decrease your piles of paper.  One tool I find especially effective is The Journal.  If you find yourself  collecting bits of paper on which you’ve written book titles you’d like to read or restaurants you’d like to try, DVDs to see, places to visit, activity ideas for the kids you need a Journal.  Rather than recording what you’ve done (like a diary) the journal allows you to record what you’d like to do in one neat place.

Stylish, fun spiral-bound journals can be purchased in practically any book, stationary, or office supply store.  Keep it small enough to travel with you so you will always have somewhere to record your thoughts whenever you become inspired.  Use colored paperclips or tabs to divide the journal into your chosen categories (books, travel, etc.).  And don’t stuff it with papers!  Extrapolate the key information you need and write it down – names, websites, resources, etc.  Be sure to flip through your journal regularly as a reminder of what interests you!