Do you struggle with receipt overload? If your wallet is bulging and your desk is cluttered with crumpled pieces of paper, check out these 5 simple solutions. They range from 25¢ to $495, from basic to high tech.
Use a Capture Tool – A “capture tool” is a place to gather things – whether information or objects. For receipts you can use something as simple as an envelope (25¢) or any type of container such as a basket or even a shoe box.
Get Decorative – I recommend using a decorative basket that is dedicated specifically for your receipts. I like the Pandan baskets ($12.99) shown here from the Container Store. They come in a variety of colors and go with almost every decor. I also like the fact that they are open which makes it easier to toss stuff into.
Go Retro – A great way to corral receipts is by using an old school receipt spike. You can get one for less than $5 at any office supply store. If you want something with a bit of whimsy and style to it, check out the Spike Coin and Receipt Holder ($24) from Touch of Ginger. The sculpted base is made of polished aluminum and is designed in the form of a water droplet.
Whatever capture tool you choose, make sure to place it in the spot where you receipts tend to accumulate such as your desk or nightstand. Turn this into a “trusted system” so whenever you need a receipt you’ll know exactly where to find it.
Opt for e-receipts – According to the NY Times article Shopper Receipts Join Paperless Age,”major retailers, including Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom, Gap Inc. (which owns Old Navy and Banana Republic), Anthropologie, Patagonia, Sears and Kmart, have begun offering electronic versions of receipts, either e-mailed or uploaded to password-protected Web sites. And more and more customers, the retailers report, are opting for paperless.”
Not only are e-receipts good for the environment, they are easily searchable on your computer so you can find what you need in seconds. Make sure to set up an email account specifically for all your online purchases and e-receipts. This will keep you organized and your regular inbox clutter-free!
Go High Tech – Use a desktop scanner and filing system to keep your receipts organized and accessible if you need them. I particularly like NeatDesk ($399.95) and the Fujitsu ScanSnap series ($199 – $495) because they are versatile and high performing. You can scan business cards and regular sized documents as well as your receipts. All your documents will be searchable so you’ll be able to find what you need in seconds!
How do you keep your receipts organized? Leave a comment below and let us know.
