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1. Cancel catalogs and junk mail
Every time a catalog is mailed to you, visit the website or call the retailer to get off the mailing list. This goes for the RetailMeNot flyer that comes weekly with local coupons. Be honest with yourself. If you use the coupons, then it makes sense to hang onto them. If you are like most people, you are likely holding on to the pages "just in case". It's not worth the clutter.
2. Cancel magazine subscriptions
Most magazines have a paperless presence now. You can view websites or follow them on social media. Magazines pages look gorgeous on an iPad!
3. Place a recycle bin by the door
get this one here
Throw out any junk mail that won't allow opting out as soon as you walk in the door into a recycle bin. Don't even bring it past the threshold of your home.
4. Get a shredder
get this one here
Bills that must come paper should be shredded after you pay them. Taxes only need to be on hand for seven years. Don't keep excess paper! There's something hypnotic and fun about shredding paper in front of the TV with a glass of wine.
5. Sign up for ebills
Almost all utilities and credit card companies have the option to go paperless on their websites. You don't need to keep statements. If there is some anxiety about letting go, you can download the estatements as pdf files and save them in a folder on your computer.
6. Start an electronic note or take a picture
If you need to reference information keep a running note on your phone instead of writing down things on paper.
7. Invest in files that are aesthetically appealing
get them here
Pretty files folders are available on Amazon and make filing enjoyable.
8. Enter contact information in your phone
Business cards take up space and aren't necessary. Enter phone numbers and addresses in your phone's contact app and throw out the card.
9. Get an eReader
get one here
Books aren't exactly piles of paper but they are tangentially related. There's no need to have space taking books when you can have thousands in an ultra portable reader.
10. Take pictures of recipe cards instead of storing them
Still want the box? Get it here
Recipe cards get gunky and dirty. Get an iPad stand for your kitchen and have your entire library of recipes at your fingertips.
11. Use reusable shopping totes
get it here
We all have a ton of reusable shopping bags. They are a great way to prevent new paper from coming into the house. Keep them on a hook by the door or get a foldably nylon one to keep in your bag so you always have one handy.
Now go get rid of that paper!
