Ask Joyce
Have a question about controlling clutter? Have you developed a terrific solution to one of the clutter problems that’s been discussed in this website?
Send me a question or suggestion at: JoyceAnderson@KneeDeepInClutter.com
ELECTION INFORMATION
Help!I need suggestions for organizing stacks of election brochures, postcards, pamphlets, and the newspaper articles that list issues or compare candidates. Thanks, Jan
Hi Jan,
Politics, policies, and issues are confusing enough without adding piles of papers to clutter up our homes. I like to save election information too. Here’s my suggestion:
Facts on File
- Get one of those folders with two pockets. Label it ELECTION INFORMATION and keep it near your business folders. Now you’ve got a spot where you can just pop in the papers. Put federal info in one pocket and state and local in the other pocket.
- Before the election, quickly review the information. Consider jotting down a list of your voting choices to take to the polls.
- After the election, toss it all out. Keep the folder ready for the next election.
- Here’s a time-saving thought. If you’re eligible, sign up for an absentee ballot.
SCHOOL INFORMATION, REPORTS, AND PROJECTS
Help!How can I organize all the school newsletters and information I keep getting from school, plus my children's reports and artwork? Thanks, Sharon
Dear Sharon,
The kids are back in school and the papers and projects aren't trickling in - they're pouring in. It helps to have a system so they won't become clutter.
School Information
- Grab a folder with two pockets. Label it SCHOOL INFORMATION and file it near your phone books. If you'd like, make separate folders for elementary, middle school, high school, and college.
- During the year keep the following information in the folders:
- Names and phone numbers for the principal and counselors
- School address
- School Code of Conduct Handbook
- List of teachers and classes
- Staff e-mail addresses
- Notes from teachers
- Report cards
- Newsletters
- Lunch menus
- Name, phone number, and address of your children's friends
- At the end of the year, keep the basic school information that you can use next year, pull out the report cards and items you'd like to save,and then dump the outdated information.
Reports, Projects, and Artwork
- Post your child's latest report or drawing on the refrigerator or a bulletin board.
- Display the newest arts and crafts projects where everyone can admire them.
- Set up a big box in the basement or a closet to store reports, drawings, and crafts that you'd like to save. Include the following items in the box:
- Special reports and papers in a folder
- Artwork in a large folder
- Arts and crafts projects protected in freezer bags, small boxes, or wrapped in paper towels or bubble wrap
- You do know that you can't save everything? At the the end of the year leave a few special items in the box and throw out the rest.
- Can't bear to toss out anything created by your little ones? OK. Just don't let all those reports and finger paintings become clutter. Keep them in the big box until you're ready to let them go.