This category does not include paper with sentimental values (diaries, love letters, etc.). For the papers the remain, start from the intention to throw away everything. The only possible exceptions are papers that
- are currently in use,
- are needed for a limited time, or
- must be kept indefinitely.
When you have discarded unnecessary papers, sort the remaining papers in two files:
- papers to be saved, and
- papers that need to be dealt with.
You should reserve one place (and one place only) to keep the papers that need attention. Never let them spread around the house. The then-remaining papers can, again, be sorted in two categories:
- Infrequently used papers: insurance policies, guarantees leases, etc. Papers you might need at some point. These papers do not need sophisticated sorting.
- Frequently used papers: outlines of seminars, newspaper clippings, etc. It is useless to keep these papers unless you organise them properly.
So, you need only three files for papers: needs attention, should be saved (contractual documents), and should be saved (others). Refrain from subdividing them any further.
You may still find it difficult to part with papers of particular sorts. Contemplations for each are shared below.
Lecture materials
It is common to have lecture handouts lying around for ‘future study.’ However, it is good to realise that when you have not put the material to practice thus far, it is unlikely that you will do so in the future.
Keeping handouts is giving yourself an excuse not to master the material and put it into practice while taking the course. To keep your home free of clutter and learn more from your seminars by resolving to part with every handout distributed.
Bank and credit card statements
Once you have checked these statements, you will never need them again. Discard all of them.
Warranties and manuals
You will never read your manuals after taking something into use. If you run into issues later, you can always find help (and often also the manual) online. Hence, you should discard of these (often thick) paper manuals.
Warranties do not need to be organised. Keeping all of them in the same file is fine, given how low chances are that you will ever use them. When you do, this is also a perfect time to go through all the warranties in the file to discard those that are outdated.
Greeting cards
Greeting cards, like those sent for Christmas or new year’s, have fulfilled their purpose as soon as you have read them. Unless they spark joy, you can part with the cards with gratitude for conveying to you the consideration of the sender.
One Response
Nice summary! Although I understand the concept of leaving things that spark joy, I do not entirely understand why out of the entire spectrum of emotions, joy is the sole emotion we should pertain to. Perhaps an object can spark simultaneously nostalgia, sadness and joy all together. I find that rarely an object sparks only one emotion and getting rid of things sparking other emotions than joy, is a bit conflicting for me.