Think Lazy: A Genius Hack to Conquer Paper Clutter for Good

Living in Chicago means juggling a busy schedule, and keeping your home or apartment clean can easily fall to the bottom of the list. Between work, family, and everything else, who has the time? We get it. That’s why we’re always looking for smart, simple tips to make cleaning your apartment feel less like a chore and more like a manageable part of your routine.

We recently heard a brilliant story from a listener on a popular organizing podcast. It’s a perfect example of a “work-with-your-brain, not-against-it” strategy for keeping your space tidy. This approach is all about simplicity and sustainability—exactly what you need when life gets hectic.

The “Piling is Filing” Revelation

The story featured a former self-proclaimed perfectionist. He used to go “full Cricut” on his paperwork, meticulously labeling and filing everything into a cabinet immediately. Sound familiar? This method, while organized, often creates a barrier because it requires immediate time and effort. His “aha” moment came when he realized this system wasn’t working for his real life.

He swapped the rigid filing cabinet for a simple basket. But here’s the clever part: he structured the basket from the start. The papers go in vertically, and he mentally designates sections—the bottom layer is January, then February, then March, and so on.

How to Make This System Work For You

The beauty is in its low-effort execution. Instead of forcing yourself to file something away in a drawer the moment you get it, you just drop it into the basket in the correct monthly section. The rule is simple: piling can be filing when done right. Don’t overcomplicate it; a basket is good enough.

Here’s how to set it up:

• Grab a Basket: Any basket or bin will do. Place it where you naturally drop your mail or papers.
• Stack by Month: As you add bills, school notices, or receipts, place them in the front for the current month.
• Forget About It: Seriously. Let the basket do its job. No daily sorting required.
• The Year-End Ritual: When December ends, pull the whole stack out, bundle it with a rubber band, slap a label on it that says “2025,” and store it away. Then, grab a fresh, empty basket and start clean for 2026.

Applying a “Lazy” Mindset to Your Whole Space

This philosophy—”think lazy”—is a game-changer for all kinds of apartment cleaning and organizing. Ask yourself: Where do I naturally put this down? Then, put a simple solution there. A basket for shoes by the door. A hook for your keys. A caddy for cleaning supplies under every sink.

It’s about creating systems that fit your life, not forcing your life into a rigid system. This mindset reduces daily clutter and makes it infinitely easier to maintain a clean home. Say goodbye to paper clutter and the stress that comes with it.

When You Need a Deeper Solution

Sometimes, even the best systems need a reset. If clutter has taken over or you simply don’t have a free weekend to tackle it, that’s where professional home cleaning can be a lifesaver. A trusted Chicago cleaning company like Jikas Cleaning provides the thorough, deep cleaning help you need to start fresh.

Looking for reliable cleaning services in Chicago? The right team can handle the heavy lifting, giving you back your time and a spotless space. It’s the easiest way to get your space cleaned without the hassle.

I got a call to my podcast. You can call my podcast. Go to clutterbug.com/talkcast. Anyways, it was my one dude listener and he had a really cool story. He used to go full Cricut with a filing cabinet and then he would set things on top to file later. Now he puts things in a basket because the bottom is January, then February, then March. Piling can be filing when done right. Don’t put it in a drawer. Put it in a basket. That is good enough. At the end of the year, bundle it up. Slap a label that says 2025 and start fresh for 2026. Seriously, think lazy. Think where do I naturally put it down? And say goodbye to paper clutter for