I am one of Office Depot's favorite customers because I make monthly purchases of paper and ink.
Why? It's not because I'm churning out novels on a monthly basis.
Why? It's because I make copies of things I want to keep. I could make files and keep them on my computer, but I worry that the computer might crash and take my files with them. I also use the flash drive and have an attachment that continually saves my things. I'm thinking about investing in that program they advertise on tv that will save everything in case of fire or floods. The trouble with that is I might lose the password like I have for my identity theft program.
I am drowning in stacks of papers and articles I've cut out with advice about things I might need to know. I'm trying to organize the stacks into files to fit in one of my six overflowing file cabinets.
I have cautiously set up files on my computer for new files from now on, but I have all those cut outs from the past. I'd like to close my eyes and throw them away, but there might be a nugget of truth I'd need later. Do you suppose the quaint restaurant in New Hampshire advertised in 1985 is still there? I have the article in case we decide to take a trip that way.
I see pictures of neat tidy offices. I would really like my office to look that way. I also have binders by topics which are partially full and waiting for more items to nestle inside. The binders can go in one of my eight book shelves where they'd share space with all the favorite books, books to be read, and how to books already occupying the shelves.
What's your system for organizing your materials from magazines, newspapers, workshops, and conventions? I'd really like to know.
And by the way, if you want to know the many ways you can use vinegar or baking soda in your house, you can contact me. I have an article about it....somewhere.
Hi Sue, To organize my materials from magazines, newspapers, workshops, and conventions, I create file folders that then live in my filing cabinet. Every year or so, I flip through a bunch of it. If it still resonates, I keep it. If it doesn't it goes into recycling. I have space, but not unlimited space, so if I can't remember why I kept the piece of paper or the reason I wanted to keep it is no longer true, I toss it. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think I need to go through the files I have and throw out like you suggested. I have a file for each of the 50 states with places I want to see. I threw out a few the other day from the 70's because I figure the places no longer exist. I need to do that in a big way. I think I have about 20 character charts. Someday I need to decide which ones to keep and not print off anymore. There is hope because I least I'm thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteI do periodically go through stuff & throw it away. When it's dog-eared, wrinkled & yellowed, it should be time for the trash heap. I know my limitations. Love the article though. You have a great wit, but don't be too hard on yourself. We wouldn't have garage sales if we didn't all hoard occasionally.
ReplyDeleteOh my, you sound like me. I thought I was Office Depot's fav. :) Difference is ... I can't throw anything away. When I do, I end up needing it. We're a fire hazard. We're all readers too so we have shelves and shelves of books. I could probably qualify for that hoarders show. :) Well...not quite that bad yet.
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