So, before we move, I'm trying to create a new organization system with all our important documents. What I had set up just isn't really ideal or very easy to deal with. I'd like for people to share with me their general system, file names, organization tips, etc. I was never really taught a whole lot as far as this goes so any and all suggestions are welcome.
My office desk(s) usually look like the one below. I never lose anything, can find the papers I need because I'll remember it's in that pile under the reports I was supposed to read last week. Or it's in the file cabinet under D because the jackie the dumbass sent it to me. So sorry, if you want a neat looking organization I am zero help.
Set up the folders the way you think they'll be most useful, the way you'll be able to remember where any given document is when you need it. Think what categories do I need? and create a folder/whatever for each. You might sort according to the part of your life that's involved: Taxes, Work, Car, Home/Apartment. Or you might sort according to the type of document: Licenses, Titles, Receipts. Or a mixture. Whatever makes the most sense to your brain when you go looking for something.
My general system: 1) Don't be a hoarder! Most of my friends who are extremely unorganized are bordering on hoarder territory. Know what you need and what you don't need. 2) Technology is your friend. Anc's suggestion for a mobile scanner is good, but you don't need to buy anything. A simple excel spreadsheet is pretty useful for many things, and it's always nice to have a document you can just CTRL F and search. 3) If you have large amounts of paperwork, color coding can be useful. Over time, your brain will automatically associate that color with that type of thing. Income taxes = blue, warranties/manuals = yellow, etc. 4) Think about how often you will be using the items you are storing, and pick an appropriate container/spot. Ex: You don't need your insurance policies at your fingertips every day, so they can go in a binder on the top/low shelf, but the stuff that is easiest to get to should be the stuff you use most often.
First, this: http://www.grahambrock.com/downloads/P5140040.jpg I have labels for rent, car stuff, government stuff (license, taxes), manuals/warranties (split into 3 files - internet/alarm/telephone equipment, appliances, and PC parts), pay stubs, etc. For just two people, there's no way you'll fill up more than one file box, not for a good while.
So far, my categories are as follows: Green: financial documents, Red: general important documents (Home and vehicle...containing copies of lease agreements, receipts for important vehicle repairs, etc), Orange: health (general medical insurance, dental, therapy papers, etc) Blue: education related documents Yellow: handbooks, equipment warranties, etc I like what I have so far and it's definitely cut down our load quite a bit. I still have a few things to shuffle through and categorize, but other than that I'm pretty much ready to get that portion moved.
