Less paper piles, more peace

The paper system that works (and keeps working)

Step 1: Give every paper a place

Three zones. One simple system.

CATCH → Incoming stuff

Your drop zone for anything new:

• Receipts

• School forms

• Appointment slips

📍 Place it where paper naturally lands—by the door, on the counter, or in a wall pocket.
👉 Only rule: Everything lands here first before it disappears into a mystery pile.

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ACT → Needs attention

This is your mental-noise pile—the stuff your brain keeps whispering about at 2 a.m.

Examples:

• Bills to pay

• Forms to sign

• Notes to remember

Keep it shallow and visible:

• Clipboard

• Open tray

• Bedside sorter

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KEEP → To file or scan

For paper you need to keep, but don’t need to see daily.
Use:

• Labeled file box

• Accordion folder

• Digital scans

Only move things here after they’re handled.

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Step 2: One touch, one cue

Every time you pick up a piece of paper, ask:

→ Do I need to do something with this? → ACT
→ Do I need to keep it? → KEEP
→ Can I let it go? → Recycle or shred

✨ You don’t need to do the task yet—just decide what it is.
One touch. One decision. One move forward.

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Step 3: Set a paper rhythm that sticks

You don’t need a perfect system—just one you’ll repeat.

Each Week:

• Sort your ACT pile

• Archive what’s done

• Toss what’s not needed

Each Month:

• Empty your CATCH zone

• File what matters

• Recycle the rest

Twice a Year:

• Let go of expired warranties, pay stubs, old policies

🕑 Tip: Set a recurring reminder—like a standing date with your future calm self.

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Step 4: Design for you

Neurodivergent? Paper-fatigued? Just over it?
Try these gentle tweaks:

• Use bright folders for urgent stuff (bills, health, taxes)

• Mount clipboards for can’t-miss papers

• Snap a photo + email it to yourself with keywords

• Add post-its with the next step:
  “Call doc.” “Scan for taxes.” “Pay by Friday.”

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Your personalized paper system—matched to how you tidy

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