If paper clutter is a problem in your home and you want to get it under control, consider a virtual filing system.

Here’s how it works…

• Figure out which papers you don’t need on hand right now.

  Some papers you’ll need the actual physical copy of like current taxes documents. Store those in a REAL file cabinet or file box. For documents that you don’t need on hand, for example, tax documents dating 5-6 years back, store those in your virtual filing system.

• Create an A-Z directory on your computer or sort them by topic.

  Which ever is easiest for you. So, you would create a folder and label each “A, B, C, D…” and so on or you could label each folder “Taxes, Loans, etc.”

• Scan all the papers (you don’t need a physical copy of).

  If you have a scanner with a feed it will speed the process up. As you scan them, you can organize your papers by putting them in the right folders or scan them all at once and then organize them later.

• Burn the files on CD-RW, DVD-RW or put them on a flash drive.

  You’ll want this to be a rewritable source so you can continue to update it as time goes by. Be certain to also create a back-up of each source. For instance, create a back-up CD-RW, DVD-RW or have a 2nd flash drive to store the same files on in case something happens to the original.

As time progresses, continue to add important documents to your virtual file system as you receive them. Avoid allowing them to pile up after that in order to save yourself time and frustration.

Console tables like the South Hampton Console Table can really get you out of a bind if you need a narrow writing desk. They’re long but not very deep which makes them convenient for tight spaces.

The actual dimensions of the South Hampton Console Table are 16″w x 47″l x 29″h. Note that the height is incorrect on some online store websites.

You want one that will resemble a real writing desk as much as possible. Height is also very important here. You want to make sure that you get a console table that’s around the same height as a real desk or you might find it feels unnatural when you sit at it later.

Many writing desks are around 30-35″H. So the console table should mimic that height range so you’ll be comfortable working at the table.

This may not be the most affordable alternative, but it’s an option if you really need it. If you find a space saving item and it’s out of your reach because it’s not being shipped to your country, consider a mail forwarder.

You can try USA Box or if that doesn’t suit your fancy you can do a search on your own. Mail Forwarding Advisor gives you pointers on how to choose a mail forwarder that’s right for you.