@ellens I have a few suggestions for taming the "paper blizzard" as well - I learned in my work to "touch each piece once" and try to do that at home.

First, we have a locking mailbox, so if we don't have time for it on a day, it sits for a while. Then, I stand by the recycle bin to open the mail. Brochures & ads get a quick look & 99% go right in, envelopes as soon as opened - into the bin. Magazines & newsletters go right to the table next to my reading spot on the way in. I walk to the kitchen, and if it's a bill it goes right next to my computer to be paid. Hubby's stuff goes right ON his computer so he handles it instead of piling. I have folders on inside of the broom closet door for receipts, medical stmts, etc - that stuff goes right in. Once a week, before I let myself read email or online news, I go through the little pile while I have my coffee and deal with everything. My husband is working on doing the same... I still have to occasionally push a bit - our tables look a lot better now, which makes us feel better, and we can find things a lot easier. If (when) things get temporarily out of control, we sit at the table with a recycle bag & a shred bag and dispose of the mess.

We have also transitioned to "paperless" for every newspaper, newsletter, bill, statement, and mailing that we possibly can. And over time we have learned to "folder" stuff on our computers instead of printing out. This has really helped.

PLease know that it took us living in a "tiny house" 5 month of the year to develop this system, and even then it took many months. Try it, but don't get discouraged if it doesn't "take" immediately. We call it "baby steps."

Sue