Paper Management and File Systems That Will Keep You Organized
Papers, papers, and more papers!! It seems like the inflow of paper never stops. What do you do with all that paper? So many people have kitchen counters, desks, and coffee tables that are covered in mini mountains of the stuff. You may have reminders and consent forms and homework from your child’s school, important documents from your job, paper receipts, to-do lists, advertisements saved for home projects, general mail — the list goes on! It piles up so quickly and without the right paper management system in place, fighting the clutter becomes a losing battle.
How do you organize your papers?
Are you a “filer” or a “piler?”
For our “filer” friends out there, the best way to organize your files is using hanging files or file folders.
If you are more of a “piler” with mini mounds of paper here and there, we suggest using boxes, bins, or containers.
Next, let’s move on to how you can organize your files. We suggest organizing your files into these different categories:
To file
To pay
To follow up
To discuss
Trash/recycle
Below, we break these categories down and go into greater detail and provide guidance on how you can implement this filing system into your home or business to keep up with the clutter.
Category 1 — To File: Would be any reference papers, think items that don't need action but you want to keep in a safe place. Perhaps your tax returns, a contract, or an important letter that you want to keep.
Category 2 — To Pay: this one is obvious; any bills that are due to be paid. It’s also important to develop an action that once things are paid, they are either filed in a new folder, or are move the the trash or recycling area.
Category 3 — To Follow Up: these papers would be anything you need to reference in the short-term or that might need a follow up. It can also be used for any miscellaneous paperwork regarding a to-do list (eg: prescription to drop off, dry cleaning slip).
Category 4 —To Discuss: These are papers that require a discussion and a second set of eyes. Maybe your partner needs to sign something, maybe it’s information about an activity you want your child to sign up for.
Category 5 — Trash/Recycle/Shred: It’s ok not to hold on to every single piece paper that comes into your home. A lot of the paper that we receive on a weekly basis only has a shelf life of 3 to 5 weeks, whether its a heads up about a school field trip or an upcoming picture day for your child or an invoice that’s due in a few weeks time; there is no need to keep much of what enters our home on a regular basis. Trust us, you will feel such a weight lifted from your shoulders when you let things go!
Give it a try! You’ll see how quickly a paper management system like this will help to clear those countertops. Your reward will be a home that is more peaceful and less cluttered!
If you’re still struggling with paper management in your home or business, give us a call and we can help you tailor a system that will work for you.
