When clients contact me for help with managing papers, I always ask them, “Do you have a file cabinet?” The answer almost always is, “Yes, but it’s full.” Usually their file cabinet is full with outdated papers that haven’t been reviewed in a long time. One of the first things I’ll do when I work with these clients is go through the old files and get rid of anything that is no longer relevant. Going through old papers is time-consuming, but it’s…
Read more →The last time I wrote about a shredder was in 2013. (See My Favorite Shredder). I had become infatuated with my client’s shredder because it was so easy to empty. When mine bit the dust a couple of years later, I got the chance to buy that shredder for myself. Recently, my shredder started sending clear indications that it was on its last legs. (Do shredders have legs?) Unfortunately, Fellowes no longer made that model, but I selected another model that has…
Read more →I spend a lot of time with people who are getting rid of stuff. A frequent question that my clients ask me is, “Can I recycle this?” Usually I know the answer. But sometimes I wonder if I’m giving the right advice. I figured that I couldn’t be the only Professional Organizer who faces this issue, so I inquired about doing a recycling program at our monthly NAPO-NY meeting. (That’s the NY chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers). Once I…
Read more →Let’s assume that you dutifully filed your 2013 taxes in recent months. You’ve got to hold on to your supporting paperwork for three years, since that is how long the federal government has if they decide to audit you. (If that number surprises you, see my earlier post entitled “How Long Should I Keep My Personal Tax Records?”) Most states — including my state, New York — also only have three years to audit you. (You can check your state here.)…
Read more →I use my shredder frequently, and it works very well. However, when I see the red light indicating that the receptacle is full and needs to be emptied, my heart sinks because I haven’t figured out a way to empty my shredder without making a mess. Emptying my shredder requires me to remove the heavy top which contains the shredding mechanism. That means there are tiny little pieces of cross-cut paper just waiting to fall on the floor when I remove…
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