Haven't gotten to read all the posts, but I skimmed and saw that someone asked about mail. After reading that Julie Morganstern book (LOVE IT!!!!)
I created this system for mail/incoming papers in my classroom. I set it up here at home too!
Get these large magazine files (got mine at Walmart)
http://www.buyonlinenow.com/viewitem...B40614ROS&gb=1 Involve DH in the process so he has some ownership/understanding/pride in it.
set up a mail center with them:
one for You - with 5x7 index cards decorating the front with huge letters
one for DH
one for junk mail/recyclable stuff
one for magazines you may read
one for stuff to give to other people
Find some space where you can put them at eye or hand level. Ours are on a shelf in the coat closet where we naturally go when we come in. It has been working WONDERFULLY for almost 6 years now. I only deal with the incoming mail (unless it is something handwritten/important/personal) maybe once a week. All bills go into DH's and he's better about checking in his box on a more routine basis. He knows all bills are there and stay there until he tosses them.
I am in no way qualified to respond in this thread, but I'm learning how to be more organized and this is one thing that has REALLY worked here.
ETA: I got one of the
desk apprentice things from Staples after reading about it here, and it has effectively tamed the paper monster that was hovering around our kitchen table - stuff that wasn't really mail-related, that I needed during the week - coupons, babysitting co-op lists, incoming papers for DC from church, thank you notes, random pictures, receipts, meal planning info, address labels, stamps, etc. We have no office, so everything has to be handy and in view.