You can find any document in 5 seconds. Sound impossible? Here's how:
First sort all of your papers into different categories. You can start with broad ones such as bills, insurance, finances then sub categories such as cell phone, car insurance, visa statements. Be sure to shred/recycle any old documents (do you really need that electric bill from your old apartment? No, you can keep the final bill and that is it). The categories will become obvious as you sort through your piles.
Try to make the sub categories as specific as possible. For example,
under Medical each doctor should have his/her own file with the name
and type of doctor - Smith, John - General Physician or Optometrist -
Doe, Jane. You can choose either naming convention, depending on what
works best for you.
Decide how to file your documents. I suggest putting each type of bill, insurance policies, bank account etc into separate folders in date order with
the most current in front. Put each in alphabetical
order: Finance would come before Medical, within Medical Doe would come
before Smith.
Use file folders inside hanging files. Label hanging files with the broad categories named earlier and any additional ones you may need. Then label the file folders with the sub categories.
Color coding files is an even
easier way to spot the file you need (it also helps you put the file
back in the correct spot). For instance, make blue files Medical, and
yellow files Finances.
Be sure to make a file inventory and keep it in the front of your first box or drawer. You can use your electronic version to do a quick search first. However, if you did it right, you won't need to.
Finally, choose a filing box/cabinet to
use and insert your files. There are so many to filing boxes/cabinets
to choose from - one with wheels, carrying cases, long ones, short ones,
and traditional filing cabinets. There is no right one. Just be sure
it fits all of your files, there is room to grow and it fits your
lifestyle.
Happy filing!
Jen
