Shredding mishap

Have you had a shredder mishap? No, I am not talking a gory shredding mishap; I am talking when you shred the wrong document by mistake. It can be very frustrating when you realize you made the mistake after all that paper is gone and it would take a great deal of time and patience to piece back the document.

The great news, is in this data driving age, you can probably call the place were the statement was made and have them to send you a fresh copy or you may be able to log in and download the paperwork. However if it is a handwriting document, then you will have more trouble getting the information back.

What can you do to ensure you don’t have the issue again? Scanning in documents might be the right solution. Moving your office to the digital age may not be as difficult as you think. Before you shred, scan. The beauty of scanners and their software is that some will actually convert text to text, so you do not have to even type in the information. Some advance software will even read basic handwriting.

So before your feed your cross cut shredder that paperwork, think do you need a digital copy? It will definitely save you troubles, if you later decide you need it.

Finding that Perfect Shredder

Finding the perfect shredder doesn’t have to be difficult. First, you need to think about how and how many people will be using it. Learn what new features are in the models. And find out what people are saying about the shredder.

Shredder reviews can definitely help the consumer find the perfect shredder.  If you haven’t bought one in a couple of years, you may be unaware of new features. Reviews can help bring you up to speed and give you the terminology to talk to the salesperson about. For instance, reading one review I discovered SilentShred and Powershred terms. Those terms are manufacturer-specific but their ideal is not necessarily. SilentShred is their ultra-quiet performance and powershred is apparently their term for powerful shredding.

Searching the Internet for “best shredders” may help or you can ask your local office store agent for help but be prepared before you go.

Some things to ask the office agent:

• How you plan on using the shredder
• The materials you want to shred (paper, paperclips, staples, DVDs, credit cards, etc.)
• How many people will be using it
• Will it be used nonstop for hours or just occasional
• Will a strip cut shredder be secure enough or do you want a cross cut

Pinterest does it hold your interest?

So, I have been hearing people talk at work about Pinterest and some of my coworkers are on it. Are you on it? I am already on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Google+. I don’t know that I want to really jump into another social media arena.

Shreds of Creativity

What do you like to do with your paper shreds? Shredding paper can be fun, can help the environment and can be used for a lot of things. Every year, people receive a lot of unsolicited credit card applications and junk mail. Some people throw it into the trash, while others shred and recycle it in some way.  If you are one of those people who just toss it away, or if you are looking for another way to recycle the shreds, I hope my suggestions help to inspire you to do something different with your paper shreds.

Paper Shreds: Environmentally Friendly Uses:

• Recycle the shreds, let the recycle company handle it
• Create your own unique paper. There are plenty of links on Google on how to make paper. Get creative.
• Add the paper to compost piles for aeration
• Use the shreds to protect the items in a box or for shipping, in place of Styrofoam peanuts

Turn shreds into crafts:

• As mention above, create new paper with the old paper shreds
• Use the shreds to make paper doll, use it for paper doll hair, belts, suspenders, etc.
• Use the shreds from a strip cut shredder in an Easter basket and paint it green or stuff it in a gift bag

I hope, I sparked some creative ways you can recycle your paper shreds.

Until the last Shred

Until the last shred, your identity is not safe. You must be sure to dispose of all of your sensitive materials, or risk them falling into the wrong hands. Why is shredding so important? Because thieves can take a small amount of your personal information and act like you and apply for credit cards in your name and have them delivered to their house or post office.

A cross cut shredder will shred your papers in two directions, to ensure a finer, smaller, confetti-like shred. Smaller shreds make the task of piecing back the paper nearly impossible for thieves; which gives you more peace of mind and secures your identity. When shredders, first came out, they only cut one way. They are called strip cut shredders. Manufacturers still make them, but if you want better security, I recommend buying a cross cut paper shredder.

Don’t forget most shredders can shred materials other than paper. Be sure to check what yours can do, read the manual. Your cross cut might be able to shred cds/dvds and credit cards. If you need to throw away a disc or credit card, be sure to shred it, don’t chance it falling into the wrong hands.

Having a shredding routine will make your life easier, your office cleaner and your identity safer.

That looks freaking awesome.

A Better Shred

Are you looking for a better shred? After all, a better shred means better paper security. Look no further than cross cut paper shredders. They are available in any office store or department stores. A cross cut paper shredder provides much better cut/shred than the traditional strip cut shredder.

Strip cut shredders shred only in one direction; while cross cut paper shredders shred in two directions; thus making a smaller shred and increasing document security.

There are a variety of features you can find on shredders today. Be sure to pick the perfect one for your office. Some things to consider are: how many documents you want to shred in a day/shredder traffic, how many people will be using it, shredder safety and maintenance.  I also recommend finding a shredder that guarantees not to shredder jam.

The first thing to do when you purchase a new shredder is to read the manual to be sure you know what it can and cannot do. Also you want to acquaint yourself with proper maintenance to extend the life of your shredder.

Surging ahead

I am surging ahead with taming my paper mountain. My desk has collected a bunch of documents that I no longer needed. I oftentimes jokingly referred to it as my paper mountain. Truth be told; while I made fun of it; it was eating away at me. It was discouraging coming into the office, and seeing it on my desk. I have an issue with throwing things away and it stemmed from it. Now, I am learning to be organized and shredding when papers needs to be destroyed.  Below you will find the tips that I am learning to implement.

• Small steps are key. You can start slow and with a routine you can make a big difference in a couple of weeks.
• Regular paper shredding routine: I shred 2 times a week on Tuesday and Thursdays.
• Getting rid of the paper mountain demands organizing and shredding. Some documents must be retained while others must be destroyed. Using a cross cut shredder will securely destroy the documents.

My advice is to shred at least twice a week especially if you are going through a stack of paperwork. Once you get mail or paperwork, organize it. If it should be shredded put it in the shredding pile/stack. If it should be retained, put it in the folders.