Table of Content
If you have a folding table that you can borrow you may want to go grab it now. Sorting is just part of the process and by having an open and cleaned area will help you to move along more smoothly. This will include dishes, toys, tools, clothes, and anything you can quickly see that belongs in another room. Again, remember the more you can get out of this space in these first few steps, the less you will have to deal with later on.
Not all file cabinets protect your documents from fires. Fireproof cabinets are more expensive, but they are worth the investment. Purchase a fireproof cabinet any location that sells office supplies. Make separate piles for vital documents, legal documents, bank statements, and tax forms. Separate urgent and temporary documents from the other piles.
Home Office Organization, a Guide to Eliminate Paper Clutter
Put the time in your to-do list or calendar to action filing. There is no point pretending you will keep these items in a spot and then put them away every day. Instead, find a way to have them within easy reach but where you can also put them neatly away too. As long as paper continues to come through door, paperwork organization is always going to be a work in progress.
Use binder dividers to separate different assignments. Once your papers are organized, you can breathe a big sigh of relief knowing that you can easily access important papers when needed. Going forward, deal with papers immediately when they enter your home. Putting mail just anywhere is a bad habit that creates clutter. Regardless of how you choose to organize your files, labeling everything is absolutely critical.
How to Get Organized
I really liked the links to the different file cabinets. For some people making the supplies pretty helps to motivate them to use the system. I’m giving a seminar on setting up a filing system soon, so I’ve been thinking similar thoughts. This would include things like birth certificates, vehicle titles, social security cards, diplomas, etc. While your file cabinet is great for storing most of your paperwork, some items may need more secure storage.
It seems I have a LOT of work ahead of me in getting our paper records in order. We don’t have a tax folder for each year — we have an entire file BOX that contains ALL important records, bills, etc. for that year, including tax paperwork. We haven’t thrown any of them away since then and now a good portion of an entire closet in our home is stacked high with boxes of records that go back 20 years! I will also admit, I am “old school”, and I don’t like the idea of storing scanned records of a personal nature in a “cloud”.
– Dedicate a space for household papers
In contrast, having physical documents in your possession offers a level of assurance that the information cannot be changed or erased. If you’ve got the digital version of any of these documents, then you don’t need to keep the physical copy. Try to identify any paperwork that you may not need that has been taking up space in your home. This system is ideal for small businesses with a limited number of files. With a few creative and organization solutions, you can turn your study table into a tidy and efficient workspace that you’ll be proud to call your own. You could also get creative and store papers in a locked chest or other weatherproof containers.
The Container Store's Bisley Premium Collection Cabinet Drawer Inserts add designated space for each drawer item to remove clutter and better organize by categories. But with that ease of use aside, you'll also appreciate how much more organized your desktop area will feel once the devices are taken care of. With designated space for your smartwatch, AirPods, phone and even a tablet, it really does make for a less frazzled home office environment. From drawer inserts to modular storage that uses your office's vertical space, these 11 home office organizing products are remote worker-approved. If you’re working in an open-plan office or a cubicle, talk to your office administrator or boss to see if it’s okay to change the position of your desk.
In addition, having physical copies of your bills can be extremely useful when filing taxes and other documents as they can serve as tangible proof of certain expenses and deductions. Yes, it is generally a good idea to keep paper copies of bills, especially those related to important purchases, historical events, and financial information. This is because while digital records are becoming increasingly more secure, they are still vulnerable to technical glitches or errors.
You can also buy desktop organizers that have various compartments if you don’t want to use multiple cups. Sort through the things you have in your office and determine how often you use them. If there are things that you use multiple times per day, keep them on your desk, a nearby shelf, or in the top drawer of your desk. For example, if you don’t use a printer often, keep it on the other side of the room so it’s not taking up space on your desk. Position your desk so you can look out a window if you can.
Are you really going to head to your filing cabinet after paying every bill and sort it? Or are you more likely to sort all your paperwork out maybe once a month? If the latter is true, have a “to file later” area for all your paperwork.
Once you have the destination for your paperwork all set, you need to come up with a system on how to store your files within your storage unit. Personally, I like to use a file cabinet to store my files and paperwork. Use these to store your kids' art projects, homework assignments, and report cards. Sign up on the form below to get weekly decluttering tips and inspiration sent straight to your inbox.
Update records of property improvements whenever those improvements are made; this information is needed when refinancing or selling your home and for tax purposes. Keep current insurance policies on file and review them for necessary or desirable changes, such as beneficiary designations. Photocopy items in your wallet or purse and keep the copies in a safe place at home. They will be useful if you need to replace any of the items and/or report identity theft.
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