Stacking trays?

[Sara Noel]

I have clutter. Paper primarily. I use plastic totes for a lot of my junk. Does anyone use stacking trays? The stacking office type organizers for mail? and papers? I don't know why, but I have always been a paper saver. I can't throw it out. I don't know why. I thought maybe if I got in the habit of trying to use a stacking tray, I could toss stuff in the "junk" tray and organize the good stuff. I know I should just toss immediately, but if it hasn't happen by now, I don't think it's going to happen ever.

Just wondering if this sytem works for anyone before I go and pick up some stackers.

Sara

[Jerseygirl]

I have had no luck with the stacking trays. About 60 % of my job is paperwork, and I find that as soon as I run short on time and get stressed the trays get stuffed with anything and all that has been on my desk-I've had the same problem at home. I also waste time touching the same papers repeatedly when looking for something specific.
My best luck has been 3 ring binders and pocketed dividers. I have a large leatherbound, zip shut 3-ring that goes everywhere with me-its in the house when I'm home, it's on my desk when I'm at work and it's in the car when I shop, travel etc. I keep sections for everything pending-on-going calendars, coupons, catalogs, a household section of window sizes, table sizes, crystal pattern-what peices I am missing, his sizes. Right now there is a section for my taxes-receipts for deductions and the such, and a section for our pending Foster/ Adoption child, notes from the calls I've made, contact names, copies of application. Once things become outdated, like car maintenance, paid bills etc they remain in the house-either in their own 1 inch binder or in the case of paid bills and returned checks, DH (this is his job) files in a plastic file box-one for bills, one for checks, one for household, tax info, repairs,major appliances, home insurance and the such.
I even have a 3-ring for all of my cards and stationary, divided into occasions.
You might want to take a look at "organizing from the inside out " by Julie Morganstein--get it from the library because you will either love or hate her.