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Got piles of mail by the kitchen island? A closet full of tax documents, product manuals and old love letters? Not sure where your Social Security card is? It's probably time to organize your paperwork and documents.

If that fills you with dread, don't worry — Kacy Paide has advice. She's been working as a professional organizer for over two decades, and specializes in helping clients deal with paper clutter.

The key to making the process less overwhelming? Don't feel like you have to rush or organize in a certain way. "You're in control of your paper, and it's up to you how fast you want to get through it," she says.

Start with the nearest pile of paperwork

When getting started on paper clutter, don't worry just yet about what's stashed away in the garage or your office closet. Focus on sorting what's piled up around your desk or dining table.…