Tips on Managing Mail

The mail is a common source of stress and clutter. Use these simple tricks to manage your mail, and put an end to letting it manage you.

1. Make the mail a regularly scheduled event. Set a time every day that is for taking care of the mail. Make sure you set aside enough time so that you can attend to any items that may need immediate attention. If on some days you do not use all of the time allotted, then treat the extra as a well deserved break.
2. Set a place for handling the mail. Designate an area for handling the mail. It can be your desk or a kitchen counter as long as it will accommodate the task. Have a trash can close by and open your mail over it so you can drop the junk in it right away. If you receive lots of credit card applications and correspondence with sensitive information, get yourself a shredder and place it next to the trash. Also keep any commonly used items like an envelope opener, your check book and your calendar so that you can quickly attend to the mail.
3. Set a system for handling bills. If you like to pay them when you receive them, write the checks during your allotted mail time. If you like to hold onto them until they are due, set up a filling system by date. File the bills as you open them. After opening the mail, check your filing system for any items requiring action.