ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Tame It Series, Part 3: Paper and Digital File Clutter
Here's something Dr. Alise wants you to hear before this episode even really gets going: you probably don't need to scan every piece of paper, build a tiered digital filing system, or spend hours on any of this.
Paper clutter isn't a filing problem. It's a decision problem, and once you see it that way, the whole thing gets a lot more manageable.
In this episode, we tackle both paper and digital file clutter with the same low-friction philosophy as everything else in the Tame It series. That means cutting off the clutter at the source, making decisions faster, and building a system that's broad enough to actually use.
Dr. Alise also shares what to do with kids' artwork and school papers (including a graduation gift idea that uses the whole system), and why your search bar is doing more heavy lifting than you're giving it credit for.
In this episode:
- How to reduce the amount of paper coming into your home in the first place (including a free US registry that helps cut junk mail)
- Why your paper pile is really a pile of postponed decisions, and how to design around that
- The OHIO rule for actionable papers and why it works
- A simple, no-shame approach to kids' artwork and school papers
- Why you don't need an elaborate digital folder structure — and what you actually need instead
- The 30-second file-naming habit that saves you 10 minutes of frustration later
Resources mentioned:
- DMAchoice.org — reduce junk mail (US)
- Peachjar — digital school flyers platform
- Adrienne Farrow and Tiago Forte — deeper resources on digital file organization
Next week: We're moving from paper piles to inbox piles. Email clutter is up next in the Tame It series.
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The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
