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.

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6 Responses

  1. Pat says:

    This is a great solution! I live in an apt and a mail room is nearby. I’ve started depositing all the junk mail in the trash container there. If I could just stay in the habit of handling the mail as soon as I bring it inside, it would save me lots & lots of time. I’m working on it! I don’t want to be on that TV show, that’s for sure. 🙂

  2. Margaret Varner says:

    Oh I soo need to do this one…If you could see the pile of mail I have…I get depressed and have said to my hubby and daughter that I might end up on that show Horders..I like watching it too..lol. Thanks for the tip, I have a shredder already and plan on doing this one..thank you for the tip. You go grl <3

  3. Sharon Hines says:

    I love it, Susan! Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

  4. Tricia says:

    Hi Susan!

    I absolutely LOVE this idea! I have a wall next to my kitchen that I want to do something like this on. Such a perfect idea!

  5. Hannah Flack says:

    Today I finally think I’ve made some progress in an area I really needed it. Hopefully, the mistakes I’ve been making with my attitude and lack of faith in this area won’t need to be repeated. I’m grateful for my faith, my angels and for your always kind and wise words!

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