Sorting Paper Clutter: the FAST Method

Paper clutter is the worst.

It is tied with photos in my view for the most time-consuming, emotionally draining type of clutter to sort. Each paper has to be picked up, read, and thought about to determine it’s worth and importance.

The system described below is one I use to declutter large paper messes that have accumulated over time. Think scary boxes in your basement. This isn’t a method for managing the daily inflow of mail and school papers. (I love those, too! But they serve a different purpose.)

The FAST Method

The acronym “F.A.S.T.” stands for File, Act, Shred, and Trash. Most papers fit into these four categories.

Step 1: Make labels with a a sharpie. Write big and neat so your brain doesn’t have to work any harder than it has to. The sorting process will be agonizing enough already…

Step 2: Tape each label to a container to prepare for your sort.

Step 3: Get comfy and start sorting.

What Goes in the File Pile?

The “file” pile is where papers go if they will be kept in your home long-term. These papers shouldn’t require any action other than being filed. If a paper needs action prior to filing it should go in the “Act” pile.

It’s not just documents that go in the “File” pile. Sentimental things like letters, photos, and children’s artwork can also go in this pile.

You can think of this pile as a “put away” pile, because the next step will be to put these papers in their proper file or bin.

What Goes in the Act Pile?

The “Act” pile is the destination for papers that require action. Think bills that need to be paid, wedding invitations to RSVP to, even a photo you think your sister might want but you need to ask her.

What Goes in the Shred Pile?

“Shreddables” include work documents you are legally obligated to shred, or personal documents you don’t feel comfortable disposing of without shredding.

In the case of your own personal documents, I do not have a standard list of what you should and should not shred. Your comfort level determines what you decide to shred.

Trash

Things go here if they can be tossed directly in the trash without any action or shredding needed.

Next Steps…

Now what do you do with each pile?

First, congratulate yourself on your progress. Take a break if you need it. When you are ready to continue, tackle one pile at a time.

What to Do with the “File” Pile

The next step for the file pile is to put it away. If you have no files or bins ready, now is the time to create them. Use labels that make sense to your brain and keep it as simple as possible. If you want a deep dive into storing sentimental stuff, I did a whole blog post on What I do With Sentimental Stuff.

What to Do With the “Act” Pile

The next step for your “Act” pile is to tend to each item. Pay the bill, respond to the invitation, and text your sister to ask her about the photo. If you are paying a paper bill, another action might be switching over to paperless!

As you complete each action, move the paper to the proper pile- a paid bill can be trashed or shredded (you probably have a digital record of payment anyways.) Details for the wedding can be noted in your calendar and the invitation can be trashed or displayed on the fridge.

What to Do with the “Shred” Pile

For the actual shredding, you can use a home shredder and put some music on while you feed the machine.

To outsource the job, most Staples locations offer shredding drop-off services, or you can look for a local shredding event. Some of these options allow you to watch your documents get shredded in front of you. Consider what you are comfortable with balanced with how much time you are willing to invest in managing the destruction of personal data.

What to Do with the “Trash” Pile

This pile is easy… toss it in the trash or recycling bin!

Further Thoughts on Paper Sorting Methods…

When I first started out organizing, I used the “RAFT” method described here by Heather of BirchTree Organizing I don’t know who invented it- I see it all over the internet. I have found that most of my clients need a category for “Shred” more than they needed a category for “Read” so I swapped the R for an S and realized I could arrange the letters to the catchy acronym "F.A.S.T.”

You may find it helpful to customize your own categories. You may benefit from a “take to work” pile or a “scan” pile. Stick to a small number of categories. The point is to break the process into manageable steps.

Happy Organizing!