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Perhaps the most frustrating of household tasks is managing the mounds of paperwork that come in with the daily mail and every shopping trip.Don't let it overwhelm you.
Instead, make it a priority to create an organizational system that gets your clippings, receipts, and valuable documents into their proper places, where you can find them. Here you will find all the tips and ideas you need to keep your paperwork neat and organized.
1. Maintain a Workable Filing System Filing household documents and records wisely will save hours of searching later. Here's how to keep files manageable.
- Routinely set aside time to sort through papers and household files. Throw away every item you can when you sort. Your first instinct of the value of something is probably right. If you're really not sure, put a note on the document about what you need to do to determine if it's worth keeping, and put that in your "to do" pile.
- Use your computer to reduce
paper documentation. Computerize files of important information (copy them on disk, too), and explore online banking options. Most banks have Internet-based systems that may work with your current Web browser, or the bank will supply you with software to
make the right connection.
- To organize paperwork that you must save, use file folders. It helps if you keep categories specific enough
to make searching easy, but general enough to keep the number of files manageable. Always start file names with nouns. For example, "Letters,
Personal," is better than "Personal
Letters." Other headings you might use: Directions and Maps, Investments, Repairs, Medical Records, Insurance, Taxes, and Warranties.
- For easy identification, color code your files. You may wish to use colored folders: for example, green for investments or red for taxes. A cheaper, quicker method is to use colored labels, colored plastic tabs, or to write file names with colored markers.
- To keep folders clean, store them
in alphabetical order within an enclosed container or drawer. Visit a home store or office supply store to find your options, including cabinets, stackable file drawers, plastic file boxes, and cardboard file cartons. Make an alphabetical list of your folders and tape it on the outside of the container or drawer.
- Each time you consult a folder, review all of its contents. Discard any items you no longer need.
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