3 Simple Filing Guidelines

One of the most basic ways to find papers when you need them is to retrieve them from an effective filing system. A good filing system will allow you to find what you're looking for in 10 seconds or less.

Here are 3 simple filing guidelines that can help:

  • CATEGORIZING.

    A filing system is only effective, if you can find everything you need, when you need it--without a struggle. And all good filing systems have different categories of papers. Your papers are either going to fall into a MAIN category, or a SUB-category.

    For example, a main category might be FINANCIAL. Some sub-categories within Financial, may be:

    • Savings Account

    • Checking Account

    • Money Market Account

    In your filing cabinet, your main categories should always be hanging file folders with a labeled tab. Your sub-categories should be labeled manila file folders inside the appropriate main category hanging folder.

  • BASIC FILING SYSTEMS.

    For the most part, people choose to use one, or a combination of, these basic filing systems:

    • Alphabetical (A, B, C, D, etc.)

    • Numerical (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)

    • Chronological (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, etc.)

    The one you use, depends on what you're using it for. For example, if you need to keep files for all of your customers (or associates, friends, etc.), alphabetical by last name usually will work best.

    For sequential case numbers or projects that are numbered, a numerical system would probably work best.

    If it is necessary for you to find things by date, then chronological may be your choice.

    Some people get really creative and use a combination of these systems. For example, you may want your main categories to be chronological, but the sub-categories inside to be alphabetical.

  • LABELING.

    If a file isn't labeled properly, it's not going to be quick and easy to find:

    • Always write your subject on the tab of the file folder, close to the top of the tab, so you can easily see it when you're looking through your files.

    • Use a medium point, black marker to label your files. Print; don't use script.

    • Use as few words as possible on the tab.

    About The Author

    Maria Gracia, owner of www.getorganizednow.com and author of the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free' can help you organize your home, your office and your life.

    Get Organized Now! FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site!

    getorgnow@wi.rr.com

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Organizing Solutions for the Disorganized Entrepreneur

    After more than 20 years as an entrepreneur and a... Read More

    Organization Tips - How To Get Things Done

    What stops you from 'getting things done?'Have you ever started... Read More

    Overwhelmed? Try the Red Zone Tactic

    Some people seem to be born organized. You probably remember... Read More

    Escaping The Clutter Trap? - 5 Steps For Increasing Productivity And Decreasing Stress

    ? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the "stuff" in... Read More

    The True Definition of an Organization

    The true definition of an organization is one that is... Read More

    Technology...The Culprit and the Tool

    Technology has given us the tools to reduce routine tasking,... Read More

    The Clutter Campaign - Design Your Vision

    I like a room you can dance in the middle... Read More

    10 Easy Maintenance Tips vs Piling on the Chaos

    Whether you are in your own business or an employee... Read More

    How To Organize Your Paperwork

    Many people have a huge challenge coping with the incoming... Read More

    Organize Your Desk ? Live Longer!

    It may seem far-fetched, but by organizing your desk, your... Read More

    Declutter for Sucess

    Finish each day and be done with it. You have... Read More

    Clutter & Creativity

    Take a look around you right now. Look away from... Read More

    10 Tips for a More Organized Morning

    1. Teach your children to use an alarm clock or... Read More

    It?s Spring Cleaning Time? Let?s Make Room For Abundance!

    I gathered some things you can do this spring while... Read More

    Can Someone Step Into Your Job Or Role And Function Effectively?

    Working for one of the top Marketers online (David Ledoux)... Read More

    Creative Storage Solutions

    When the things in your home start crowding in around... Read More

    Words That Inspire - SIMPLIFY

    What do you gain if you SIMPLIFY?Dictionary* says:to reduce to... Read More

    Daily Systems Keep You Organized

    Ever wonder how they do it? How a short-order cook... Read More

    Is Your To Do List The Problem?

    You start each week with great intentions. You are determined... Read More

    7 Little Things That You Can Do to Organize the Kids Rooms

    1. Sink to their level. Get on your knees in... Read More

    How Much Is Your Time Worth?

    Does Your Present Internet Filing System Work?Do You Really Know... Read More

    Ending The Morning Madness

    Back-to-school time ? what does that mean to you? For... Read More

    Your Organizing DNA

    Do you like storing your papers on top of your... Read More

    8 Signs Your Home is Out of Control -- and What to Do About It

    It happens without warning. One day you notice your home... Read More

    Saving Memories Without Losing Your Mind

    The summer is flying by for Cindy and her family.... Read More

    Lightening The Load

    When I tell people what a FREEING experience moving is,... Read More

    The Balance of Balance

    Life is about maintaining a balance of all aspects. At... Read More

    Have an Ugly Day

    "Do something every day that you don't want to-do; this... Read More

    Letting Go of Clutter In Your Office

    Some people would say I'm the last person in the... Read More

    A Personal Action Plan for Change

    There are eight distinct steps to constructing and executing an... Read More

    Clutter Campaign - Maintain Your Success

    To want in one's heart to do a thing for... Read More

    10 Myths of Clutter Clearing

    1) It's easy to have a good clear out: Not... Read More

    Time for a Clean Out

    Time has flown. It's been six months since you came... Read More