Blog: Paper Organizing Made Easy
Organizing Files Your Way

There's a lot of different ways to handle paper in your home office, depending on your personality and your sensory preference.  Reference material is one of the biggest categories of the paper we keep, and includes things like financial statements, insurance, legal and tax records.  Keep in mind that there is only a 20% chance you will ever look at these papers once you file them away, so keep the system as simple as possible.  

How do you pick the right system for you?  If you...

...love to organize: Color coded file folders and numerical lists are your friends.  
Products you might like: Paper Tiger or File Solutions paper filing systems

...hate to organize and feel it's a waste of your time: Keep your system simple and manageable for your busy lifestyle.  Use plain manila folders and green hanging files.  Alphabetize or group folders in a way which makes sense to you (or your assistant).  
Product you might like: Freedom Filer

... are too busy creating and getting projects off the ground to organize your papers: Use stacking trays, baskets or document boxes for your reference materials.  Allow room for you to stretch out and still have what you need.  For long term storage, file boxes are an easy way to file - toss it in and purge every seven years.
Product you might like: Cargo Document boxes (with labels, many different colors)

... love to socialize with people and preserve memories rather than organize: Use attractive bins, boxes or baskets.  Invite a friend, make it fun and keep your systems simple.  Don't get too crazy with categorizing files.  Group by person or company in a filing cabinet or file box.  
Products you might like: Labels in the scrapbooking section of any craft store.  Also, consider using multi-use storage products like ottomans with file storage inside.  Make it beautiful and useful!


Be honest with yourself and use what works for you.  If in doubt, got with the simplest choice you can think of.  Organization is a tool, it should compliment your life not complicate it!

posted on: 3/12/2008 10:30:00 AM by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

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Paper Organizing Made Easy

by Brandie Kajino

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About Brandie:

Brandie Kajino, "The Home Office Organizer" "Empowering you to organize your home office"

Brandie's Website:

www.thehomeofficeorganizer.com

Brandie's Other Blogs:

• Settling Into Your New Home

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