What to use to store papers in the kitchen?

[searchdog]

I need suggestions of what to use to store all the loose papers and mail that accumulates on my island in my kitchen. I would like something with several "pockets". I would like to keep all the restaurant/pizza coupons together, a place for just stuff, and something for mail. I was thinking something kind of like a wall mount magazine rack or something that I could put on the side of the fridge. I don't want to spend more than about $30 on it. So please give me any suggestions of what you think might work.

[ribbit1019]

We have something similar to this, but it is in the entryway. All mail goes here first and is then sorted later and all keys go there too (I have a tendencey to lose my keys a lot) :)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Letter-Holder-Mail-Holder-Key-Holder-White-Wood-NEW_W0QQitemZ4434683641QQcategoryZ31586QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

Christy
Maddy born 6/09/04
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Little Man due 3/02/06
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Co-Owner Ribbit Baby

"I did then what I knew how to do. When you know better, you do better." ~ Maya Angelou

[abigailsmom]

I use a 3 ring binder with the dividers that have pockets. I usually keep it on top of the fridge or on a shelf. I use it for recipes, coupons, take-out menus, kitchen appliance warnty. information, etc. I also have a 1 slot bin that stands up and I can fit all of the incoming mail into.

HTH!

[asha]

I have an accordion style folder for most of the papers. Actually two of them. I have a full sized one for the papers. Mail, bills to be paid, things that need follow up. Tax related papers (any donations we make) etc etc go in different sections of this folder.

Most of the bills are paid online and I have set up automatic reminders every month to remind me approximately one week before the due date. As soon as I see the reminder, I pay the bill. Some bills that need to be paid manually get paid ASAP.

At the end of every month. I collect all the papers, consolidate them and transfer them to the filing cabinet in our bedroom. So, we start fresh every month. Junk mail gets thrown right in the trash can every day. Actually it is a game DS and I play every evening when we go home. He loves to throw stuff in the trash. After that we go remove our jackets, wash our hands and eat a snack.

Anyways, I also have a smaller accordion style folder that contains all the coupons in it. Different coupons in different sections.

Both of these are stored in a drawer along with a bunch of other stuff. I paid a dollar for each of these folders. I also have similar folders for receipts. All the receipts go into one folder everyday. Once a week, I go through them and trash the ones that I dont need.

DH was very skeptical when I started, but now he is also used to it and it works ok for us.

[laurena]

I also use a binder for menus, etc. But, I am also looking at things for mail, and random papers I need to keep accessible for a little while. Here are some ideas I'm considering for hanging on the wall:

pb mail cubby
http://ww1.potterybarn.com/cat/pip.cfm?src=shpcaccstrstr%7Crshop&pkey=caccstrstr&gids=p6477

pb display rod & letter bin
http://ww1.potterybarn.com/cat/pip.cfm?src=shpcaccstrstr%7Crshop&pkey=caccstrstr&gids=p3170

pb magazine bin
http://ww1.potterybarn.com/cat/pip.cfm?src=shpcaccstrhof%7Crshop&pkey=caccstrhof&gids=p6468

cs wall pockets
http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=60006&CATID=74551&searchId=2644592&itemIndex=23

cs stainless, magnetic wall pockets
http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=10012796&CATID=74551

My girlfriend also suggested this for a cabinet that I use for non-kitchen items:
http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=60275&CATID=185&searchId=2645427&itemIndex=1 .