How to create a mail center in your home

As much as I hate to admit this, one of my wicked indulgences is watching TLC’s “Hoarding: Buried Alive.” I’m not sure why I love this program so much. It could be because it makes me feel better about my small-in-comparison amount of clutter. Or maybe it’s because it truly does motivate me to get (and keep) my life together so I don’t end up in the same predicament.

Either way, “Hoarding: Buried Alive” emphasizes the fact that staying organized, reducing the amount of stuff that comes into our homes, and keeping things neat and clean is both a necessary and ongoing battle for all of us. And when we give up the fight? Well, you’ve seen the previews …

One way I wage war against the clutter monster is by keeping my paper piles under control.

As soon as mail, etc. comes through our front door, I have a little mail sorting station to help process and organize it. (I would also recommend keeping a shredding machine and recycle bin near your door so junk mail never makes it inside.)

My mail center includes a set of wire baskets marked “In,” “Out” and “Attn.” The wire sorter came from T.J. Maxx. I think I paid around $13 for it.

I used my Silhouette cutting machine and some scrapbook paper to create the labels.

My mail center also includes a magnetic dry erase board where we jot down important messages and lists for the day/week. My board came from Target.

This board is also great for displaying the photos we get of family and friends. (I prefer to keep the front of my refrigerator free of magnets, so this is a great alternative.)

You’ll notice I keep a dry erase monthly calendar and magnetic note pad handy, too.

My mail center is just one more attempt to reduce my chances of making it on “Hoarders: Buried Alive.” Do you have any tips or tricks for preventing paper overload?

I’m linking this up to Women Living Well.