Split your loose paper pile in three

Paper piles include mail, bills, receipts, and magazines. When you can't throw anything away, follow a three-folder filing system:

• Pending papers: Anything that requires action, like a bill you have to pay.
• Forever papers: Birth certificates and mortgage documents that you don't handle often.
• Temporary papers: This folder is for papers you know you'll let go of in the future, like warranties, lease agreements, or study materials.