Simple Organizing Paperwork Tips

Sort wisely –   Don’t keep clutter you don’t need. Eliminate things like old printed emails and magazine clippings that are no longer important. Toss junk mail as soon as it comes in. Be sure to shred anything containing personal information.

Use color –   Hanging file folders come in lots of great colors, making it easier to color-code subject classifications within your files. For example, financial = green folders; medical = blue folders; household = yellow; personal enrichment = orange – you get the idea.

Think simplicity –   The most common mistake people make when setting up a file system is to develop categories that are too specific. Start with a few, broad categories, and avoid “miscellaneous”.

Make filing a habit –   Don’t allow papers to stack up. Schedule time during your week to empty your “to file” basket. This shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes.