Well, I finally got my files from last year cleaned out and sorted. I always dread that little task, but it's never really that bad once I buckle down and do it. And this year was easier than usual.
At last I have finally found a simpler way of keeping my files. In the past I kept files individually for all sorts of things: utilities, auto, health insurance, etc... The only problem with that system was that it was always growing. I always needed another file for something else because it didn't fit in any other file. I had way too many files.
But last year I found a system that worked so much better for me. I purchased a small expanding file~I think it has 13 pockets in it. That gives me one for each month of the year and one extra for miscellaneous stuff.
This way I simply file any paperwork for that month in that month's pocket. How easy is that? And the whole file is small enough to fit neatly on my desk.
At the end of the year I just go through my little file and sort things into 3 piles: one for those things that I need to keep indefinitely, one for those things that need to be shredded and one for those things that can go directly into the recycling bin.
I still keep that larger file for the things I want to keep indefinitely. I have it all contained in a pretty basket that fits nicely under my highboy in my bedroom.
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How do you file your *important* papers? Do you have an easy system or do you feel like you're drowning in paperwork?
This post is linked to Blissfully Domestic.
At last I have finally found a simpler way of keeping my files. In the past I kept files individually for all sorts of things: utilities, auto, health insurance, etc... The only problem with that system was that it was always growing. I always needed another file for something else because it didn't fit in any other file. I had way too many files.
But last year I found a system that worked so much better for me. I purchased a small expanding file~I think it has 13 pockets in it. That gives me one for each month of the year and one extra for miscellaneous stuff.
This way I simply file any paperwork for that month in that month's pocket. How easy is that? And the whole file is small enough to fit neatly on my desk.
At the end of the year I just go through my little file and sort things into 3 piles: one for those things that I need to keep indefinitely, one for those things that need to be shredded and one for those things that can go directly into the recycling bin.I still keep that larger file for the things I want to keep indefinitely. I have it all contained in a pretty basket that fits nicely under my highboy in my bedroom.
How do you file your *important* papers? Do you have an easy system or do you feel like you're drowning in paperwork? This post is linked to Blissfully Domestic.
Comments
I like your basket!
Kristin
Thanks for the idea....that may work perfectly!
Betsy~I love my little rabbit wallpaper,too:) He's a free download from the Susan Branch website. She always has the cutest free wallpaper.
You have a great system and found something that works perfect for you...good job!
I love your idea so much that when we trudge through our paperwork I am going to make the same kind of monthly file. When we do our taxes we have a manila envelope for each type of deduction and put the receipts inside the envelope and write the figures on the outside which goes onto the account's worksheet. Then we just file the envelopes with the tax return on top with a big rubber band and in a plastic box. Each year we dump the one in the back that is ten years old. I also have two file cabinets to hold the forever papers. But I love your idea. I also thought just this morning that I am gong to make a basket that hold bills to be paid and things to be dealt with and nothing else. I am now ready to conquer paperwork. Thanks for sharing.
Have a Terrific Tuesday
from Roberta Anne
I just love your desk space. It looks so inviting and cozy. I think I'd sit there for hours!