Spring Cleaning Tips to Protect from Identity Theft

Hi!  My name is Tina Peterson and I am a paper addict.

There I admit it.  Part of the problem is that I just don't know when I'll need something so I hang onto it.  Part of it is that I don't have anywhere to take papers that need to be shredded (I used to take them to work) and so these papers just sit in a bag waiting for me to take them to Office Max or Office Depot to pay for them to be shredded - and I just CAN'T bring myself to do that.

Here are the Top 5 Tips from the Identity Theft Resource Center for spring cleaning the home office:

I need to do this:

Begin with the Basics: Sort through the piles of paperwork on your desk and in your office drawers.  Place them into two categories: ‘save’ and ‘shred.’

Proper Storage: Organize the "save" pile into labeled folders and be sure to put anything confidential into a fire-proof lock box.  The "shred" pile should be properly disposed of with a Cross-Cut shredder, such as a Fellowes P-12C. 

Cross-Cut technology is an important feature for a shredder because it provides high security, destroying confidential information into unidentifiable pieces.  Equally important are enhanced safety features, such as Fellowes' SafeSense technology, which shuts the machine down when hands come too close to the paper opening, which is so important if you have children.

(Note: the Fellowes Cross Cut Shredder is available at Target for $84.99.  It fits under your desk, has a 4 gallon basket to hold your shredding and will shred up to 12 pages at a time - including staples, paper clips and credit cards)

I need to do this:

Get a Digital Makeover: Refresh your home office computer by deleting files you no longer use and backing-up important data onto an external hard drive.  Clean out your inbox and change all passwords.  Refreshing your computer is a good practice to follow throughout the year as well.

Make Life Easier: Plan ahead by purchasing organizational tools for your desk, such as computer risers or file folder holders.  This will help clear clutter from your desk top while keeping things within arms reach.

Freshen Up: Get rid of dust and germs that easily build up on office equipment such as keyboards, telephones and cabinets.  You'll feel instantly more productive with a clean workspace.

Simplify Your Life by Marcia Ramsland

I took a 6 week women's class at church a couple of years ago based on the book Simplify Your Life by Marcia Ramsland of OrganizingPro.com.  We all agreed that 6 weeks was not enough time to utilize everything that Marcia's book had to share.  In this book you will learn how to: Simplify your weekly calendar, daily schedule, personal organizing center (no more piles!), and have a great day!.  She then walks you through 4 systems that will teach you the steps to succeed at organizing your life and keep it that way.

She has a couple of wonderful articles on organizing the paper in your life and also organizing your desk.  You can purchase her book HERE and while you wait you might check it out these articles:

Five File Folders Save the Day!

The Mail Toss

“Mondays with Marcia on Midday” 

Teaches you how to "Simplify Your Life" -7 Weeks to a NEW “Organized You!

You’re Invited to Class!

YOU can be a part of a nationwide class to Simplify Your Life! You can either listen live on radio, online live or the archived version! Go to:

www.middayconnection.org

“Midday Connection”

Monday, January 10

10-11 a.m. PCT//Noon-1 p.m. CST

Class Materials: Book “Simplify Your Life”

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Please tweet these important tips - thanks!

"Spring Cleaning Tips to Protect from Identity Theft, @fellowes, @one2onenetwork, #identity_theft, #safety #office http://ning.it/esZdOr"

Disclosure: I didn't receive any products or monetary payment for this post although I have been entered into a drawing for 1 of 9 Fellows Cross-Cut Shredders.