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Once a file is outdated, delete it so it doesn’t clutter up your computer. Hang a wall pocket if you want to keep papers off your desk. Wall pockets are plastic trays that have multiple compartments to file documents and folders.

Consider where you would be looking to find those documents and what makes the most sense in your brain. The best way to organize paper files is the one that feels logical to you. If you choose this route, it’s important to ensure you save them somewhere secure. Saving critical paper files directly to your computer is a risky move.
Organizing
If you’re still feeling strong, set the timer again for 5 minutes and get back to sorting. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, temporarily set aside your sorting for later in the day. The container is simply a temporary holding location for papers. You’re going to spend some time in the near future processing everything.

That allows you to be more organized without sacrificing your desk space. Because what used to clutter your desk is now hanging on the wall! The system comes with mounting hardware and four 3M Command Mounting Strips that integrate into the Wall Plate. Mount it to the wall, and using the magnetic strips, attach your preferred plates and containers .
Paper Handling & Filing
Files organized by year should go in the back of the file cabinet, since you won't need to refer to them that often. Include as much or as little detail on your label as you feel is appropriate; when in doubt, err on the side of caution and include more. Depending on the types of files you are storing, you may want to include the date the documents were stored, or a full list of the folder’s contents on the front. If you tend to shove things in drawers and only organize what's readily available to the naked eye (guilty!), it's time to make a habit change. Home office drawers hold so many necessary items that paying attention to those areas is crucial.
Every time you finish working for the day, take a few minutes to reset your desk. I promise, sitting down to work at a neat and tidy desk is so much nicer than sitting down to work in a cluttered and chaotic one. I like to have a wall calendar for family events that I can post where the entire family can see it and then a binder calendar for myself only that houses everything. This includes family appts and commitments, work-related items, financial reminders, and more. For me, having everything housed in one location on one calendar allows me to have a complete view of what is happening every day. Work to set up each zone using bins and baskets to contain all the things you use.
Paper Organizer
My office clearly needed to be somewhat separate from our living space. Only this time, we added dry wall to close off a nook in the loft into a dedicated office and add built in desks with tons of storage. One of the annoying yet necessary points to adult life is organizing paperwork and documents.. Don’t even get me started on the space it can take up. Mary, thank you for the thorough explanation of filing and tossing/keeping. Your post has helped refresh my memory on your methods.
Put a wall pocket near your desk so you can remove papers from your desk and reduce clutter. Make sure the different compartments are labeled so you don’t get confused later on. By following these simple tips, you can easily keep your home office paperwork organized and easily accessible. With a little bit of planning and a system to follow, you can ensure that your paperwork is organized and stored in an efficient manner. An example of a long-term financial goal might be to reduce your credit card debt.
You will need to ask yourself why you might want to keep this information and then designate a place to store this kind of stuff. These can be scraps of notes or papers that you just don't know what to do with. If you have let it pile up for awhile, then quickly sort through it to see if there is anything that is time sensitive – like an overdue bill or something that you need to RSVP to. If you want to splurge a little, they do have some hanging files in new jewel tone colors that are quite nice.
Start your goal list on the SMART Goal Setting Worksheet . Remember to be specific and measurable, with a planned timeline for accomplishment. Be realistic in setting goals that you can actually attain. Update debit and credit card information when you secure new cards and cancel old ones. Information that is difficult or impossible to replace should be stored in a safe-deposit box or fireproof, waterproof, burglar-proof home safe.
You can buy plastic storage bins from any department store or online. You can also buy small plastic bins and lay them out inside your drawers however you want. Be sure to change the garbage bag frequently so your office stays fresh and clean.
I also get copies of discs from cat scans, mri’s, mammograms etc. All my discs are put in a sleeve that goes in my notebook. I also keep a copy of my insurance card in my chart/notebook. If they need a prior report I have it and they can take a copy of it.
It’s much easier to keep fewer files organized than to continue to store many papers that you don’t truly need to. Cluttering up your home office with those files doesn’t make a ton of sense, especially since you won’t need to access them for a while – if ever. Figuring out a long-term storage solution for those documents is in your best interest. Now that you have created an organizational system and have the necessary files and storage containers, it’s time to put all the papers where they need to go.
In this section most statements can be shredded as well. However, I DO keep a permanent file with the original contract/bill for each provider for the duration of the contract. So next time you go to pay a particular bill, log into your online account, see if they have an email opt-in and CHECK THAT BOX. This was a lesson learned for me as I went to shred all the crap I weeded out of my own home office and totally fried my shredder by allowing it to overheat!! I keep a file per year with the miscellaneous stuff that will need to go into that year’s scrapbook, and a file per event/vacation that will be getting its own scrapbook. I try very hard not to get more than 5 years behind.