Mail Mindfulness
When you think of the mail, how do you feel? If it’s mostly negative adjectives and dark clouds that spring to mind, you are not alone! Time and time again, I see envelope piles sliding around on kitchen countertops, stacks stuffed into boxes and bags bursting with papers. It’s a lot. And knowing that more mail will be showing up every day can cause staggering feelings of overwhelm.
So, let’s take a look at some ways to improve this sad situation. First, consider ways to reduce the amount of mail ending up in your box:
Call the customer service number on any catalog you no longer want to get and ask them to take you off their list.
Try catalogchoice.org, a free service that allows you to cancel specific catalogs and other types of paper mail.
Try paperkarma.com – an app that helps stop junk mail (for a cost)
Try DMAChoice, which also helps stop junk mail for a cost.
Switch to paperless billing and statements whenever possible.
Next, start a habit of going through the mail as soon as you bring it into the house. Keep a garbage/recycling bin nearby so you can quickly toss the things you don’t need or want.
Then, you’ll need a place to keep some files – it can be an inbox system, a box for files, or maybe something that attaches to the wall. This is where you will keep folders labeled with action words like “PAY,” “FILE,” “READ.” Add whatever other words and folders you need based on the types of mail you get. Maybe, for instance, you like to hang on to deposited checks until they clear. You could have another folder labeled “PENDING.”
When you bring the mail into the house, quickly sort each piece into the appropriate folder. Bills go into the PAY folder. Medical and bank statements might go into the FILE folder.
Then – and this is an important step! – schedule time to go through the folders and actually do the actions of paying, filing, etc. A weekly time would be good to aim for. Schedule the time in your phone or write it on your calendar or however you reminder yourself of other appointments.
Now you’ve got a place for all those envelopes and a clear counter as well!
