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


    Control Your Childrens Clutter!!

    Ever feel overwhelmed by all the papers, notices, artwork, and... Read More

    Simplify Your Life! No Really...Simplify Your Life!

    We hear it every day."Buy this product, and simplify your... Read More

    Finish in Style - Organizing Works!

    One of my mother-in-law's many oft-quoted and wise declarations was... Read More

    10 Myths of Clutter Clearing

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

    How To Organize Your Paperwork

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

    Home Organizing Tips & Gizmos

    Staying organized can be a constant battle. The following organizing... Read More

    10 Minute Tricks to Help You Get Organized

    Whoever thought you'd be able to get organized in just... Read More

    The 4-Keys to Clutter Free Living - Design a Space that Nurtures Your Soul

    Decluttering is a simple-to-learn process, once you break it down... Read More

    How Can I Deal With It All?

    Are you feeling overwhelmed? Have a to-do list a mile... Read More

    Declutter Your Home in 11 Easy Steps

    Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of organizing your home? Start... Read More

    Be More Productive - Books to Help You Be More and Do More!

    How many of us have enough time to do everything... 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

    Balance - And Other Things

    The Mexican VillagerThe American investment banker was at the pier... Read More

    5 Reasons to Organize Your Home Today

    Home organization isn't just for neat-nicks or those drawn toward... Read More

    Organization and the Opposite Sex

    In many of the companies I have worked in, there... Read More

    The Organized Move: Unpacking with a Plan

    (This is the third in a series of three articles... Read More

    3-Step Clean Sweep Program to Organize

    3-Step Clean Sweep Program 1 -... Read More

    Getting Things Done: A Guide To Next-Action Lists

    Getting Things Done (GTD), is a productivity methodology designed by... Read More

    Daily Systems Keep You Organized

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

    Organize Yourself Otherwise Your Work Could Kill You

    We are in a society where people are applauded for... Read More

    Spring Cleaning

    Spring is such a refreshing time- we are filled with... Read More

    Kids Clutter: Organizing at Every Age

    Our children are probably the biggest clutter creators we have... Read More

    Words That Inspire - SIMPLIFY

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

    10 Organizing Tips for Road Warrior Parents

    Parenting is always a challenge, but particularly so if your... Read More

    Clutter is Postponed Decisions?

    Do you ever sit down at your desk buried in... Read More

    Balance- What Does It Really Mean?

    Balance- what a popular topic these days! Finding a work-life... Read More

    A Simple Effective Tool To Get And Stay Organized

    Often we are in overwhelm because we are holding too... 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

    Organizing Tips to Help You Conquer the Laundry Monster

    Laundry. You sort, you wash, you fold, you blink ?... Read More

    Get Organised Before Its Too Late

    Last year I attended a presentation from Parenting Expert and... Read More

    Breathing Life Into Dead Spaces

    "I don't have enough room!" -- this is a common... Read More

    Getting Organized For The New Year - Part 1

    The following procedures will insure an organized and well run... Read More

    5 Easy Tips on Light that You Can Use to Improve Your Day

    Light, Work, and YouWinter is here-and with it, short days,... Read More