Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
TwitThisMaintain a Workable Filing System
2. Rotate and Update Your FilesOnce you have set up your filing system for household papers, be sure to rotate current files into long-term storage as required. For example, once you have filed your annual tax return, put copies of all relevant documents in a separate permanent tax file for easy retrieval (tax documents should be kept for a minimum of seven years). Then throw out all papers you don't need and start a new tax file for the current year. Update health insurance files with new policy provisions. Keep savings and investment files up to date with current balances and account numbers. Be sure to back up computer files on a separate disk.
3. Safekeeping for Important Papers
Some papers are more important than others, such as automobile titles, savings and investment documents, and anything related to the purchase of your home (such as your loan agreement and title insurance policy). Consider storing these papers in a fire-safe box (bolted to the floor, for the greatest security), or in a safe-deposit box at your bank. In addition, most home insurance companies advise making a personal property inventory (on paper, with snapshots, or in video form) and storing it in a safe-deposit box. In the event of a natural disaster, a record of your possessions will make filing an insurance claim easier.
Items of sentimental value should be stored conveniently and safely, too. Personal letters, newspaper clippings and programs kept in one place will be easy to move quickly in case of a flood or fire. A metal strongbox or footlocker works well for this purpose.
4. Hiding in Plain Sight
To store valuable documents, money, or jewelry, it is best to rent a safe-deposit box at a local bank. But if you prefer to keep some valuables at home, try foiling would-be thieves by hiding these treasures in ordinary places. For example, you can create good storage with an empty food can or within the pages of a book. Just remove the lid on a food can, empty the contents, and wash thoroughly before putting valuables inside. Secure the lid and place the can back on the kitchen shelf. Books can be good places to hide paper valuables.
You also can use a tissue box to camouflage your valuables. Carefully open a box, remove some of the tissues, wrap your valuables and place inside, layering tissues on top. Reseal the box and store with other tissue boxes.
5. Rounding Up Receipts and Warranties
Keeping track of receipts and other paperwork for household purchases can be a headache, but it's worth the effort if you need to return an item or to contact the manufacturer. Here are some filing ideas.
- Check receipts when you buy an expensive item; make sure the receipt clearly states what it is and when and where it was brought. Write on the receipt any information that is not clear, for future reference. Staple warranties and guarantees to the receipts.
- Buy an accordion file at an office supply store; they're available with tabs for alphabetical organization. Place the file in a convenient location, such as your desk
or in the kitchen.
- Annual sweep At the end of each calendar year, look through the entire file and discard what you can.
- Use ring binders to make it easier
to keep track of booklets and papers too useful to throw out but often difficult to find. Label the binders and keep them on a shelf in your home office or in another convenient place. As you pay bills and acquire owner's manuals, instructions, and store contracts, punch holes in those you need to save and slip them into the various labeled binders. Use tabbed dividers in different colors, available at office supply stores, to separate categories. The books' contents will be easy to retrieve and peruse.
- Labeled freezer bags, which are see-through and dust-proof, make ideal containers for miscellaneous items like disks, manuals, and warranties related to computers.
Advertisement 
