ORGANIZE YOUR FILES WEEK IS THE 3RD WEEK IN APRIL
Filed under: Clear the clutter, Office Organization, Paper Management
Bills to pay. Newspapers and magazines to read. Receipts, warranties and instructions to save – the list goes on and on. Each day we are bombarded with papers that need our attention. If you feel that papers are taking over your life, read on.
GATHER SUPPLIES
First, gather file folders, hanging file folders, felt-tip pens or a label maker, a shredder, and large garbage (or recycling) bags or boxes. Every household or office also needs an appropriate type of file cabinet or box; the size will depend on the amount of papers you must keep. Enlist a friend or professional organizer if you need help or encouragement.
START ON DESKTOPS, COUNTERTOPS OR URGENTY-NEEDED SURFACES
Your most recently-received papers will be here. Resist the urge to start with the papers on the floor or stuffed in paper bags or boxes.
IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF PAPERS YOU RECEIVE ON A REGULAR BASIS
Gather all the papers from the surface you’re working on into a neat pile. Pick up the top one. Ask yourself, “What is this? Do I need to keep it? Do I need to take action on this? Or do I just need to file it in the case I need to retrieve it later?” Toss as much as you can.
SORT AND USE COLOR FOR A MEMORY AID
Sort into simple categories that make sense to you. For example, some home categories might include: medical, pets, 
taxes, hobbies, utility bills, car, home improvement, credit cards, insurance, education. Use fun colored folders to group categories. Also include action-related files for: TO DO,” BILLS TO PAY,” “TO READ,” and “DISCUSS WITH SPOUSE/BOSS/PARTNER.”
MAINTAIN YOUR NEW SYSTEM
From here on out, manage papers daily. Sort mail immediately. Toss junk mail. Put remainders into “TO READ,” “TO DO,” or “BILLS TO PAY” folders. Make time weekly to file everything else in your filing cabinet or box.
You can find these 2 great home filing systems – FileSolutions Home Filing System and File.Starter by Buttoned Up at The Simplified Home.
Originally posted 2010-04-02 00:00:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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