Will the piles ever go away? - Your Life

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), March, 2004

Do you let unpaid bills, lists, and paperwork pile up on your desk? If so, according to a national Harris Interactive survey by Cambridge Home/Office Accessories, Stamford, Conn., you are not alone. More than 84% of those polled who deal with paperwork are pilers--they regularly stack up their paperwork instead of filing it.

"Piling may seem like a faster, easier option, but by delaying tasks like filing, we only compound the [work] later. In other words, the longer we wait, the more that accumulates, and the longer it will take to find or organize the paperwork," cautions time-management consultant Jeff Zbar.

On average, people lose 20 minutes per day looking for items in the office. Letting paperwork accumulate not only wastes time but, maintains the poll, searching through mounds is annoying (35%) and frustrating (31%). Additionally, 33% of individuals who deal with paperwork feel they have way too much to manage already. It is no wonder that 44% wish they had better systemization.

To get started on a more efficient filing system, Zbar recommends:

* Bring some order to the clutter--create simple categories and sort accordingly; get more detailed from there.

* Purchase expanding files or other home/office products designed with organization in mind.

* Keep a brightly colored priority file on your desk for items that need your attention within 48 hours.

* Deal with the mail daily. Do not let it collect. File it or trash it.

* Make sure your categorization is convenient and works for you se you will be inclined to use it.

* Do not fear the trash can. Eighty percent of papers stored are never looked at again.

* In a home office setting, be sure to keep personal/home files separate from work-related items.

* Set aside an hour one day per week to clean off your desk and inbox. This is a good end-of-the-week task, allowing you to start fresh and organized on Monday morning.

"What ultimately works best is developing a system that fits into your work and lifestyle habits, and then making staying organized a priority. What may at first seem like a chore will ultimately become routine," says Zbar. "Remember, it only takes 21 consecutive days to make something a habit. If done correctly, your paper trail will be organized in lees than a month."