Paper Everywhere--Where to begin?

[debbieg]

Every available space in my office is taken up with many boxes of reference materials which not in any organized fashion.---so no room to add any additional reference materials and need to figure out how to review and organize the back-log.

My two drawer lateral file of active information is now full---need to purge to make room for anything else.

My desktop has become stacks of files, books, someday/maybe project materials.--need to clear the desktop, but no room in reference or lateral area.

What is the best way to tackle this one?

[Maurice]

I suppose you've got yourself a project!
What is your desired outcome of this project?
What is the very next physical action you need to do?

Some elements I would tackle in the project:
- What organisation do I want/require? Closets, drawers, filing systems?
- Are there any legal and/or business requirements on documents I should archive?
- Create temporary parking place for "stuff", as it creates space to work in
- Make sure you've got the tools for your proposed organisation
- Take bits and pieces from the temporary parking place and bring them back in your office, archive or delete them

[steveinbristol]

Sounds like you need to listen to the "Digging out from backlog" webinars. I found them extremely helpful and no longer have that "overwhelmed" feeling.

[Roger]

GTD's Chapter 4 -- Getting Started: Setting Up the Time, Space, and Tools -- and also Chapter 5 -- Collection: Corralling Your "Stuff" -- are entirely devoted to this topic. I think the steps it describes (especially the Time and Space part) will get you on the righteous path.

You might find the Book Club threads on Chapter 4 (http://www.davidco.com/forum/showthread.php?10162-GTD-Chapter-4-Setting-Up-the-Time-Space-and-Tools) and Chapter 5 (http://www.davidco.com/forum/showthread.php?10186-GTD-Chapter-5-Collection-Corralling-Your-quot-Stuff-quot) helpful also.



Cheers,
Roger

[debbieg]

You might find the Book Club threads on Chapter 4 (http://www.davidco.com/forum/showthread.php?10162-GTD-Chapter-4-Setting-Up-the-Time-Space-and-Tools) and Chapter 5 (http://www.davidco.com/forum/showthread.php?10186-GTD-Chapter-5-Collection-Corralling-Your-quot-Stuff-quot) helpful also.


Cheers,
Roger

When I clicked on the Chapter 4 & 5 Links, it says they are not available??

[debbieg]

Sounds like you need to listen to the "Digging out from backlog" webinars. I found them extremely helpful and no longer have that "overwhelmed" feeling.

Where do I find the webinars?

[mcogilvie]

Every available space in my office is taken up with many boxes of reference materials which not in any organized fashion.---so no room to add any additional reference materials and need to figure out how to review and organize the back-log.

My two drawer lateral file of active information is now full---need to purge to make room for anything else.

My desktop has become stacks of files, books, someday/maybe project materials.--need to clear the desktop, but no room in reference or lateral area.

What is the best way to tackle this one?

I remember an apocryphal story from college about someone whose dorm room was completely filled with crumpled paper as a prank. The student opened the door, and stared dumbfounded at the mass of paper before him. He thought for a moment, and then, with a smile on his face, lit a match, threw it in the room, and closed the door. Problem solved.

Please note: I am not recommending arson. However, I do recommend taking everything that you have not touched recently into boxes and storing them elsewhere. If you haven't gone back to them after a year or more, consider getting rid of them, with obvious exceptions for things like financial records and family heirlooms.

[kelstarrising]

Where do I find the webinars?

Debbie--the webinars are all on GTD Connect (https://secure.davidco.com/connect/), our online learning center. You can try a two-week guest pass to see if it's for you. That will give you access to play the webinars on the Connect website. You would need to be a monthly or yearly member though to take them offline.

[TesTeq]

When I clicked on the Chapter 4 & 5 Links, it says they are not available??

GTD Connect Book Club is in the GTD Connect part of the forum.