Tiered Paper and Mail Slots
The main job of this organizer is standing paper upright in tiers, so each layer shows over the one in front. Letter-size papers, envelopes and bills slot in on their edges, and one owner fits a 9 x 12 inch pad with space to spare, which covers most household paperwork and even a child's art pad and journal. Upright storage like this is better than a flat tray for anything you need to act on, because it stays visible instead of disappearing under the next delivery of mail. The trade-off is that it holds a working amount of paper, a few files and the current bills, rather than a filing cabinet's worth. One owner uses it for a couple of files and office items and finds it just right; if you have thick stacks, a file box is the better tool.