She suggests keeping anything that requires action in your mail spot (like an invitation that requires an RSVP, bills that are due, or coupons with an upcoming expiration date). Paperwork that doesn’t require immediate action can be placed in a separate category—or categories—to be processed at a later date, whether that’s filing, scanning, or shredding. She also suggests considering a portable system, like a decorative tray or a rolling cart you can easily move from your designated mail spot to wherever you pay bills or file paperwork. If the DIY approach isn’t your thing, consider using a service that does the shredding for you. “I don’t have the patience to shred individual documents,” says Fife. “I have a space in my office where I collect everything that has personal info. I’ll do a once over with a sharpie, then I put it in a big bag, and every other month I take it to a shredding service.” Another solution: Use an identity theft protection stamp to blot out personal info so you can dispose of mail immediately.
