Paper clutter is one of the most challenging types there is because it’s so dense. You can sort through and tidy a small drawer full of general clutter in 20 minutes, but a pile of paper that occupies the same amount of space can take days, weeks, or even longer to work through.
A completely different approach is required, which is why I run a separate online course for people who have clutter of this kind. The techniques I teach in my Fast Track Clutter Clearing course work great for general clutter clearing, but not for paper. For that reason, I do not cover other types of clutter clearing in my Clear Your Paper Clutter course, or cover paper clutter clearing in my Fast Track Clutter Clearing course.
However pretty much the same techniques apply whether your paper clutter is of the physical variety or its virtual counterpart such as emails and digital photos, so it is possible to cover both types of paper clutter at the same time in one course. As our lives move more and more online, our virtual paper clutter is multiplying at an exponential rate, so although it may not take up the same physical space that physical paper does, it does take up “head space”, which can have an equally overwhelming effect. I therefore consider it essential to include this too.
Will a 21-day online course be long enough to clear all your paper clutter? That depends how much you have, and how much time you can devote to working through it during the course. As a general guideline, I suggest spending half an hour each day reading the message board, and as much additional time as you can actioning each of the steps.
If you have a substantial backlog of paper clutter it may not be possible to work through it all in three weeks, but you will learn lifelong skills to help you continue by yourself after the course ends, and can expect to make substantial and satisfying inroads while the course is running. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you need to ask to help you tailor the advice to your own personal situation, and you will have the friendly camaraderie of the rest of the group for company, which makes the whole process more enjoyable and fun.
Fun? Yes, paper clutter clearing can be fun! This is one of the greatest surprises to people who take my courses.
If you’re ready to tackle yours, there are two opportunities to take my online Clear Your Paper Clutter course in 2015. The first is July 5-25, and if that’s too soon for you, the next one is December 1-21.
Related links
Clear Your Paper Clutter online course
Testimonials from previous participants
About online courses
Copyright © Karen Kingston 2015