Appleshine: Filing Cabinet

Remember yesterday’s post, when my client accused her office of being a ‘dumping ground’?  Well, I think she meant her filing system.  Or lack thereof.

Yes, sorting through paper clutter takes a loooong time.  But it needs to be done.  If you’re going to tackle it on your own, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1) Reading paper files, over and over again, will be tiring.  So don’t overwhelm yourself.  Take breaks or work in 30 minute intervals over several days to complete the task.

2) If you have paper to be shredded, put it aside.  It takes too much time to shred as you go.  Instead, finish the filing and then you can multi-task shredding while watching TV.

3) Let your papers decide how to divide your files.  Start with the basic categories:

• Home
• Credit Cards
• Car
• Paychecks
• Medical
• Cell Phone
• Kids
• Utilities

Then come up with the sub-categories as you go.  You might not need a whole file dedicated to your root canal surgery.

4) Try to eliminate as much paper clutter as possible by transferring to online e-files. Most bill services offer online banking and many companies will email you a receipt rather than a printed hardcopy.  It’s an easy switch that will save space and stress in the long run.

Tell me, Appleshiners, how do you arrange your files?

PS- Remember my new favorite store, C-Wonder?  A reader just sent me this great new addition to their online store: check out their trendy iPod Speaker.  Thanks for the update!!