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Wendy A. Miller is the founder and CEO of Little Miss Efficiency, an Organising Consulting Company for Businesses, Homes and Seniors. Her passion for efficiency and organisation has improved clients' work flow, productivity, time management, and employee engagement.
Wendy has an MBA in business and is the author of her on organising column called “The Efficiency Corner”. She has been featured on the Las Vegas KLAV radio show called “Business Icons” and hosts her own KLAV radio show called “The Efficiency Corner”. Her membership credentials include: the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), Faithful Organizers (FO), International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), among others.
With 18 years in the corporate realm, Miller managed and organized CEO's of Fortune 500 companies, CFO's of dot.com conglomerates, and the most challenging of executive personalities.
Miller resides in Henderson, Nevada and lives with her husband Scott, and three pets; Tootsie, Bootsie, and Buddie. Their family originates from Chicago, Illinois.
Shred Paper Clutter While Protecting Yourself
I’ve been pleasantly surprised at my workshops, presentations and organizing parties. Lately when I ask attendees if they have a shredder, most if not all have been replying “yes!”
For the longest time I felt like I was just preaching to the choir about shredders, their importance, and how they ultimately control paper clutter. Shredders are now a household and office necessity with all the identity theft issues these days. The Federal Trade Commission reports approximately nine million people are victims of identity theft annually.
Shredders are well worth the investment, considering that throwing your personal information in the garbage is no longer safe. There are many ways crooks can steal your identity and dumpster diving is only one way. For more information on avoiding, detecting and dealing with identity theft, check out the Federal Trade Commission's website at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.
Clients often ask me which documents should be shredded. Some want to shred everything and anything with their name and address on it. I think that’s extreme and can be quite cumbersome in the daily grind of life. My list of mandatory shredding is:
•Anything with your social security number on it
Anything with your social security number on it•Anything with an account number on it
Anything with an account number on it•Prescription drug labels and receipts (to avoid medical identity theft)
Prescription drug labels and receipts (to avoid medical identity theft)•Credit card offers
Credit card offersBe forewarned. Shredders can get expensive with some of the top-of-the line models running over $300. I always recommend an average investment of $150. Your shredder should handle at least 8-12 pages at one time. Anything less than that is really a waste of money, time and energy. Make sure your shredder has the credit card and CD slots for all of those mailed cards and discs that are junk. Also keep in mind your noise level preference. The quieter the model is, the more expensive it tends to be. Be sure to note the shredding cut style. Strips are fine, crosscut is better, and diamond cut is best.
If you have a big backlog of shredding, consider using a commercial shredder to get rid of it. Major office supply stores offer shredding services priced by the pound - - - but you have to lug it all in. Commercial shredding services will travel directly to you; but they tend to have minimums and/or are pricey. Please consider these options. Too often I see clients save an ugly, old, paper ream box in their office or home, where they keep piles of paper clutter “to be shred.” Not only is that an eyesore, but you’ll probably never find the time to get to that “to shred” pile. No time like the present when it comes to shredding. Have an efficient shredder handy where paper work lands.
I believe Staples has the cutest, mini-size shredder (pictured here.) The M5 Mailmate Shredder looks like a toaster, has a 12-paper capacity, and runs under $100 online. The M5 is my favorite due to its perfect size. It fits nicely on top of a desk, credenza, or kitchen corner - - - wherever you open mail and pay bills.
If you have been a victim of identity theft, you already know why shredders are a necessity. For those of you lucky enough not to have that misfortune, listen to your favorite organizer. Shredders are well worth the investment for your peace of mind. Shredders not only eliminate paper clutter but they protect your identity.
Written by Wendy A. Miller, CEO and Founder of Little Miss Efficiency Organizing Services and Consulting at www.littlemissefficiency.com, 702.673.0624. COPYRIGHT: This article may not be reprinted or quoted anywhere without written permission. This article is protected by copyright. Copying of this article - or of any works presented or recommended by Wendy A. Miller - is strictly prohibited. These works may not be reprinted in any form on any website, blog, book, eBook, or any other form without the express written permission of Miller. All Rights Rese
