The three reasons why many people have a hard time getting rid of paper piles.

1. Why Organizing Paper
is Such a Challenge.
I might
use or need
this.
Where should
I file this? Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge. A03-Why Organizing JustOrganizeYourStuff.com
© Papers is Such a Challenge.

2. “
Either a piece of paper is
important enough to keep or
it isn’t. If it is, file it; if it isn’t,
”
put it in the recycling bin.
~ Linda Rothchild via the New York Times
Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

3. Produced By Just Organize Your Stuff, Inc.
Copyright © Just Organize Your Stuff, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
For educational purposes only.
Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

4. While that statement seems
simple enough, if eliminating
paper piles were that easy
everyone would have I might
their papers organized.
use or need
this.
Where should
I file this? Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

5. Piling is a form of organizing
for some folks.
But it’s only organizing if you
are piling papers that are
worth keeping and you are not
delaying a decision.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

6. Many experts will agree that
paper piles are the result of
indecision.
I might
use or need
this.
Where should
I file this? Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

7. Many of us find organizing
papers a challenge for three
reasons.
01. Too much information.
02. Too little information.
03. No system to process
the information.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

8. Too much information can
cause the “clutter factor.”
Basically, too much information
can cause an overload, which
can cause you to feel I might
indecisive.*
use or need
this.
*http://www.cignabehavioral.com/web/basicsite/bulletinBoard/forgettingToRemember.jsp
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

9. Too much information will
feed a paper pile.
How? You FEAR you only have one opportunity to
acquire certain information (paper). You MIGHT
need it someday and you toss it on a pile.
The pile grows and becomes a source of I might
information overload affecting your use or need
this.
ability to make a decision.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

10. IF Paper = Information
THEN Lots of Paper = Information Overload
RESULT is INDECISION
I might
use or need
this.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

11. Too little information can cause
the “clutter factor” as well.
Basically, fear of making the
wrong decision because of an
unknown impact can cause
you to be indecisive. Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

12. Too little information will
feed a paper pile.
How? The importance of an item is questionable.
You FEAR you MIGHT need it someday and you
toss it on a pile.
The pile grows and becomes a source of
information overload affecting your Isn’t this
important?
ability to make a decision.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

13. No system to process
information will feed
a paper pile.
How? A paper is needed for future use but you
don’t know where to file it. You FEAR misplacing
it and you toss it on the pile. Where should
I file this?
The pile grows and becomes a source
of information overload affecting
your ability to make a decision.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

14. What the 3 Paper Piling Factors Have in Common
FEAR I might
use or need
this.
Where should
I file this? Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

15. FEAR of an emotional impact.
FEAR of a financial impact.
FEAR of a time impact.
FEAR of a unknown impact.
FEAR of _______________. I might
use or need
this.
Where should
I file this? Isn’t this
important?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

16. The simple fact is, eventually
a decision will be made. If you
don’t make it, someone will
make it for you.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

17. Pushing Through the Fear
FIRST STEP. Outline a Paper Management Plan
and Stick-to-It. To keep your filing system in check
you need to CONTAINERIZE.
SECOND STEP. Understand the Different Filing
Methods. Research various systems and create
one that will CATEGORIZE with your lifestyle.
FIRST STEP. Know What Papers are Important.
FAMILIARIZE to quickly process your papers daily.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

18. Pushing Through the Fear
FIRST STEP. Outline a Paper Management Plan
and Stick-to-It. To keep your filing system in check
you need to CONTAINERIZE.
SECOND STEP. Understand the Different Filing
Methods. Research various systems and create
one that will CATEGORIZE with your lifestyle.
FIRST STEP. Know What Papers are Important.
FAMILIARIZE to quickly process your papers daily.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

19. Pushing Through the Fear
FIRST STEP. Outline a Paper Management Plan
and Stick-to-It. To keep your filing system in check
you need to CONTAINERIZE.
SECOND STEP. Understand the Different Filing
Methods. Research various systems and create
one that will CATEGORIZE with your lifestyle.
FIRST STEP. Know What Papers are Important.
FAMILIARIZE to quickly process your papers daily.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

20. “
First ask yourself: What is the
worst that can happen? Then
prepare to accept it. Then
”
proceed to improve on the
worst.
~ Dale Carnegie
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

21. ARE YOU
READY TO
ORGANIZE
YOUR PAPERS?
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

22. The Three Elements of a
Successful Home Filing System.
01. CONTAINERIZE.
Keep Like Papers Together.
02. CATEGORIZE.
Be Consistent and Simple.
03. FAMILIARIZE.
Know What Papers are Important.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

23. Spread the JOY.
If you were inspired by our insights email this presentation to
your family, friends and coworkers. Anyone you know who could
benefit from being more organized.
If you want to learn more about papers and setting up a
home filing system view all the insights in this series at
JustOrganizeYourStuff.com.
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

24. About the Author.
In 2002 Cathy became painfully aware that her whole life needed to be organized and re-prioritized.
The penchant for disorder, sometimes attributed to “creative” types was in complete opposition to her
true “duty filler” personality. After spending nearly 15 years in the creative chaos of design firms, Cathy
decided it was time to switch gears and take control of her cluttered life. By combining her graphic
design experience and a desire for simpler living, her new career was born. As a result, Cathy now spends
her time spreading JOYS, an intuitive visual method for organizing stuff, and is enjoying the challenges
that come with being her own boss, launching a new brand and living a balanced life.
www.justorganizeyourstuff.com
Additional Inspiration
Marilyn Paul, PHD - It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys
Julie Morgenstern - Organizing from the Inside Out
Dale Carnegie - How to Stop Worrying and Start Living
A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.