Ahhh…it is so nice to be able to walk in (since we enter our home through the basement door) and see a nice, neat, uncluttered and clean basement! Just looking at the clutter every time I would leave the house and again every time when I would arrive back home was emotionally draining. Now, the clean space gives me a peaceful feeling every time I leave or come home. That is the power of decluttering. I’m excited to move on to another area next week for this goal!
Today’s goal is simple. I just received a shipment of paperwork for my business and in the process realized that my filing system needed to be added to. Although I have a fantastic filing system that has worked for 11+ years for me, when new things are added, new file folders must also be added. So, today’s goal is to update the filing system and make sure that all of the papers have a proper home.
In part of the filing process, I will also be creating a binder for filing some training materials in to. I use a binder system for filing larger quantities of papers, so that I can have them within reach, rather than sifting through a bunch loose papers in the filing cabinet. Instead, the papers that belong together (in this case, training materials) are all grouped together in a binder. Everything else (bills, receipts, documents, etc.) goes into the regular filing cabinet.
When setting up your filing system, think about what your broad categories are (insurance, travel, home, etc. for personal, and show supplies, recruit information, etc. for business). Then, label a hanging file folder with the broad category. Next, decide on any subcategories (for example, insurance could be divided into: home, auto, medical, etc.) and create individual manila folders for those. I find it is best to use a label maker when doing this so you can read it easier and find things quicker. Use your intuition to determine the categories – think to yourself, “Where would I find this?” Usually the first category that you think of is the one you should go with.
The key to a good filing system is all in the setup, so that when a paper enters your home or office that needs to be filed, you immediately file it! If it takes to long to file it or you can’t find where it would go, then you will put the paper down and a pile is born. This is what you want to avoid!
The only exception to my immediately filing rule is bills. Since I pay bills twice a month on paydays, I “file” the bill in a bill basket that has been set up. Then, when payday comes, I pull all of the bills out, pay them, and then file them into the filing cabinet. But, it happens like clockwork, and nothing gets put into a “pile” or left out without a home.
So, off to file…until tomorrow!!!
To your success,
Dr. Laura
P.S. If you want more detailed explanation and step-by-step instruction on setting up a filing system that will last you for life, pick up a copy of my book Organization for Home-Based Business Professionals.
[...] that my filing system is all set up and revamped for the latest business papers that have come my way, and all the papers [...]