This may seem totally lame but when I helped a client with her mail today, she was so happy (and gave me a box of chocolates with the check-no telling how old it is but I accepted it gracefully) I decided to share my Mail Method.
How to Deal with your Mail
Get out supplies before you head to the mailbox: stamps, checkbook, blank envelopes, greeting card folder or box (you know, all of those cards you buy, with the intention of sending them out to someone but never do..this is the time to use them!)
Open the mailbox
Take out the mail
Carry it to an EMPTY table
Open all mail addressed to you
Put "Other" mail in labeled box for each individual in house
Each piece goes into their own category pile
a. Bill
b. Personal Mail
c. Junk goes directly into recycle bin, don’t even bother opening “special offers.”
Handle ONE paper at a time
Look at the Bills, put in order of due date, most current on top
Write check and put in envelope with stamp and return address label
Or set up payment online
Write the date a WEEK OUT from due date on back of the envelope for reminder of WHEN to mail
2. Put on refrigerator with a colorful clip (or other visible place,) most current to older
Read all personal mail, only keep what you need to reply or share
put “Share” mail in someone else’s box
If responding, get out card and matching envelope,
Address it from their return address label
Add stamp
Put in purse or another place where you know you’ll see it and have the time to write
(Use similar methods for other mail)