In options I have my default settings correct but when I paste something in I always have to change the settings to get back to the original ones. Is there a short way of doing this?

Use PasteSpecial, Values which will leave the original formatting intact.

Paste Special, Values... If you need this often you can add the Paste Values button to your toolbar. Excel 2003 added a paste button with a dropdown selection to select paste values or other paste options.

Access custom menu and toolbar items by Right clicking on a toolbar and selecting Customise. Drag items to the desired location on the toolbar.