A New Mail System!!

Hello all!

I know I don't post often, but I had to come on and show off a little of what I've been up to (besides growing a new human).

Remember this?  It's our family's command center.  Well I've added a new feature.  Can you see it?

Here's a closer look!  I am really excited about it, especially since we've been using this system for about three weeks and it still looks the same!  Gasp!!! No pile-ups, Simple to maintain, and the best yet... Mr. Roseyglasses is totally on board!! I'm in love!! (with him and my new mail center).

Here's how it works.  When the mail comes in (everyday), it gets opened immediately (okay, sometimes after dinner).  When I (or Mr. Roseyglasses.. since he is totally into this) open the mail:

First, the envolope, and any junk mail goes straight in the garbage... yes I know, I know.. I need to start recycling my papers along with the cardboard, plastics, metals we already recycle... I know!  I'm working on it!

Second, the leftover mail (which is surprisingly light... mostly its all junk) gets sorted into one of four categories.  To File: anything that we need to keep like bank statements, or random information (that my husband still likes to keep... hey, one step at a time).  Take Action:  These are things that I need to actually do something about (minus bills) like if a phone call needs to be made, or I have to research something. To Pay: Obviously, these are bills that must be paid.  The bill, along with the mail back envelope, go in the bin.  I write the due date on a post it note and stick it on.

Third, I smile.  Honestly it took me longer to type this than it does to actually do this everyday.  Seriously it only takes like 2 minutes.  This is the longest the command center has remained neat.  Usually stacks of mail pile up.  If I did the mail, and file it, or put it away.. my hubby would get frustrated because he couldn't find what he was looking for.  If he was left to do it... it would pile up on the island in the kitchen, which just makes me nuts.

How do I stop the trays from getting overloaded?  Glad you asked!! Every Wednesday I have my "office hours".  I kind of got this idea from Flylady.net.  Wednesday is the day I go through the piles, file what needs to be filed, make phone calls that need to be made (some times I do have to take action on certain items immediately... but not usually), do my heavy research.  I get some done on my iPad, but not all.   Perhaps I'll blog (if I'm up to it).  It's also the day I straighten up the office.

I am so happy that we have finally found something that works for us!  Okay.. I'm gonna go back and stare at it for a while longer.  Have a fabulous day!

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