I started going paperless many years ago, and so by now it’s second nature to do all work and personal projects in purely electronic/digital form. Likewise, for any paper that happens to cross my path, I immediate scan it, OCR it, store the electronic file, and toss/recycle the paper.
In years past, this really required access to a high-speed scanner, but nowadays, I’d say over 95% of the data I personally “process” starts in an electronic form (whether from pdfs, emails, or other online systems), and so access to a high-speed scanner is less necessary than before.
Indeed, any smart phone today can function as a high-quality (albeit not high speed) scanner, and there are several inexpensive — even free — scanner apps out there to help you manage that process.
By keeping all documents electronically, it is far easier to keep track of information as compared to any paper system. (Today’s PC search features make it easy to find things, even where your files aren’t particularly organized!)
Going paperless does require a commitment to the concept, but once you do so, you won’t look back. Indeed, you’ll likely try to eliminate even more forms of clutter from your home or work environment. My current office has no:
- paper
- trash can
- pens/pencils
- drawers / file cabinets
- office phone (I just use my cell phone)
(And with a standing desk, you don’t even need a chair, although I do still usually use one!)
One Idea 