|
Creating a Filing System in Five Simple
Steps
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 and learn
how to take control of this task.
1. 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.
2. Start on desktops, countertops or
urgently-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.
3. 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 case I need to
retrieve it later?” Toss as much as you can.
4. 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 files for: “TO DO,” “BILLS
TO PAY,” “TO READ,” and “DISCUSS WITH
SPOUSE/BOSS/PARTNER.”
5. Maintain your new system. From here on
out, manage papers daily. Sort mail immediately.
Toss junk mail. Put remainder into “TO READ,” “TO
DO,” or “BILLS TO PAY” folders. Make time weekly to
file everything else in your filing cabinet or box.
© 2006 Articles on Demand™
|
