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Supplies needed:
File box, cabinet or empty file drawer
Hanging files with insertable tabs
File folders - 3 or 5 tabs across
Labeler or marker
1. Gather all your paper documents and create one large pile. Review one item at a time and determine what you need to keep and what can be discarded. Keep a garbage bag and shredder handy. Throw out/recycle non-sensitive materials and shred papers that may contain personal information.
2. Separate out the paperwork that needs to be put into a secure location, such as a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box. This may include bank account information, passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, deeds, death certificates and wills.
3. From the main pile, sort papers into clear categories (ie Auto, Home, School, Travel, Insurance, Family) and identify each with a Post-It note.
3. Label your hanging file tabs with your identifiable titles. Write clearly or use a labeler. Stagger the insertion points to create an easy-to-read cascading system.
4. Now select one of the categories you want to organize. Sort through and create sub-categories. For example, if you have a pile labeled BILLS, you can divide it into the various months (January, February) or type (phone, electric). Under AUTO, you might have sub-categories labeled "Auto Payments," "Auto Insurance" or "Auto Repair".
5. Identify file folders for each of the sub-categories, transferring your presorted papers into them. Insert the entire group into the corresponding hanging file.
6. Place the hanging files into a filing cabinet, drawer or box, keeping the categories you use more often, close to the front. Additionally, create a separate file folder marked "To File." and place in the front. Make sure you go through these and sort once a week.
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