@Adam…I know you’re on a Mac and that print to PDF is part of the OS. So what about PC users?

I had about thirty folders, and everything got sorted and saved. It helped a bunch.

But then when I switched to Thunderbird, I didn’t have all those filters and folders set up anymore. So instead, I started getting really efficient with my inbox (I do the zero-in-my-inbox routine, too).

- if I need to save it, I print as PDF and put it where it needs to go on my hard drive, not save it in my email client (receipts, payment notices, etc.).
- if I don’t need it, I trash it.
- if I really don’t need it, I unsubscribe.
- if it’s a two-second thing, I reply fast.
- if it requires a longer reply, then once I’ve skimmed through the inbox, I go back and reply to them.

Result: No folders bogging me down, no leftover emails in my inbox, and ultimately, less emails to manage at all.

(And, of course, I only check email once a day – no auto-check, no first-thing-in-the-morning, etc.)

@Everyone…we all get too much mail, if you ask me. It’s way to easy for people to contact us through email for every little thing. I get a huge number of client messages that aren’t necessary at all. And they all expect responses. I think filtering is only the beginning of retooling how we (and people we know) use email.

@Dennis…I like an empty inbox as well. And, I know that responding immediately gets in the way of my workflow. That’s why I’ve taken Tim Ferriss’ advice on checking email less frequently. I still have an empty inbox at the end of the day and I’m getting more done not being at the whims of incoming mail.

At work I’ve implemented Leo Babauta’s advice from zenhabits to have an empty inbox. When an email arrive I take action on it immediately and either delete it or put it into my Archive-folder. I can always use the search function to find it again. I’m using Lotus Notes at work and has a lot of various projects, so project related mails get into the appropriate folder. Still my mantra is to keep the inbox empty at all times.
I do use filter or rules too, I get a lot of mails that are sent to the entire company that isn’t related to me in any way, they go straight into a specific folder that I empty from time to time.

I’ll use your idea for my personal mail at home Dawud

Makes for an interesting day, and of course not every folder gets true incoming mail. Many are used just to hold information about current or past orders, etc.

Getting organized with your mail is a must if you’re doing serious business online.

Thanks for your post, I enjoyed it and will return