How To Go Paperless – 3 Ultimate Methods For Anyone

Knowing how to go paperless is one thing but finding ultimate methods for anyone can be a struggle at times. I have to admit that this post is an updated one from the time I found myself on many more devices than anything. Nowadays, it has been mostly my computer, phone and TV but back in 2015, I was on my iPad too.

If you are a multitasker like me, then you know all too well that you can be on the computer, on your tablet or iPad, laptop, cell phones and even added the TV on (I say that as I am doing that exact thing as we speak.)

We can’t help it because it is there, always accessible, easy to navigate (most of the time) but always around us. It helps us travel with our work, watch shows on the go and most importantly occupy the kids for a moment of peace and quiet.

I am always amazed by the technology and knowing how to do things as well as being up to date on this tech world of ours has its pros and cons. The cons mainly of being the go-to person all the time for simple things like How do I scan? or How do I do a screenshot on the computer? which always tends to end in Can you do it for me? 

 

Paper Solution

Since I used to use paper a lot for my writing and even when I used to go to school. I notice it has been sitting on my shelf collecting dust, stored in binders, filled in folders and ultimately taking up space. Solution? Scan it. Yes, scan it! It makes life so much easier when you scan and file only the important documents.

As much as everyone says you should scan every single piece of paper you ever owned, you can’t always do that because some companies want the original document of things and not the one you printed off your computer. This is why I want to show how we do it.

I will show you three options of how you can go paperless. Scan to Computer- where you can set up files on your computer, Scan to Program- where you can scan and organize on programs like Evernote or OneDrive. As well as scan to USB- where you can place all the documents you scanned onto on USB stick.

How to Go Paperless – What You Need

• You will need a scanner (pretty sure you figured that by now),
• a computer (obviously)
• and if you want you can download a specialized program like Evernote (or buy a USB from the store).

When buying a scanner, you need to go with one that is best for you. If that is the most expensive, or best reviewed or brand new or best one on sale then buy it. I am no scanner expert but I like products that are practical and multi-functional or all in one. I know not everyone is like that but, however, I am so the scanner I use is our Canon printer. It is a scanner, printer and faxes all in one.

This is what works in our family and that is best for what we need plus it has the added benefit of not taking up too much room. Of course, there are other types such as portable scanners and buying scanners separately.

Your computer or laptop should be fine as long as it has the space for documents. If you want to try scanning and organizing your documents onto a USB then you are going to need a USB. I bought my stylish USB from Walmart. There are different storage sizes (GB – gigabyte) so you will need to pick one that will fit all of your stuff.

You don’t have to buy one fancy-looking one or one in the shape of Sponge Bob or Captain America but it is always fun to get one that matches your style such as:

• SanDisk Ultra Flair USB 3.0 128GB Flash Drive
• Samsung BAR Plus 128GB – 400MB/s USB 3.1 Flash Drive

1 – Scan to Computer

This paperless system is one that I used to do for my mom. There was a time when she used to like to have everything right there and in front of her. She wouldn’t rely on her tablet as much or phone for her things. If she needed anything it will be on her computer, in organized files. Currently, I sometimes use this method with stuff I use often or only use for a short time. That way it limits how many documents I have on my computer at all times.

However, using this type of method can have a disadvantage when it comes to wanting to access documents while you are out for the day or even on vacation. Unless your documents or images are on a laptop, there is no way to access them.

2 – Scan to Program (Cloud Services)

Back when I wrote this how to go paperless article, I would have told you that I don’t personally use this method but things have changed. Everyone these days want their devices to sync with one another, even me! I have to admit that this comes in handy for ones who work on the go and need access to their things all the time such as entrepreneurs, bloggers, and business people.

Honestly, anyone can benefit from having their stuff accessible from their computer, tablet, iPad, laptop to their phone. If this is you, then you would love to have a program like Evernote, iCloud, Google Drive and OneDrive. I personally love OneDrive, I have nothing but good things to say about it.

For those who do not know much about cloud services, it is a very popular program that allows you to do exactly what I mentioned. If you need something quick you can access it and find it on your phone or tablet. Sure makes life a little easier!

3 – Scan to USB

When I wrote this, I would have told you that I personally scan to my USB. It is simple and done quickly. I like that I can bring my USB to any computer and access it. Additionally, I can also plug it into my printer and print it.

Yes, you can organize your USB just like you would with files on your computer. However, as much as I used to love this method to clear the storage number on my computer. I don’t recommend solely using it to hold your important computer files and documents. The reason why I used it before is to solve my problem of storing digital files on my computer and reduce my computer from going slow. Now I prefer the cloud storage method better.

Of course, with this method there comes challenges like fear of it breaking or getting damaged and the disadvantage of not being able to use it everywhere such as my phone or tablet or iPad.

Related: Stylish USB