Spring Cleaning Your File Cabinet

Generally, we tend to think of organizing this monster only around tax time. And if you did that, then congratulations! But chances are, you are like so many others and once the chore of getting everything together for tax preparation was over, you forgot all about getting your papers in order. Organizing the file cabinet is a job no one likes to do, because we tend to loose track of our priorities and the job eventually causes stress and gives us a headache.

Here are some hints to get that terrible job under control:

1. Purchase some manila folders and hanging folders (if necessary)
2. Make a list of all of the categories and subcategories that you have i.e. Insurance; subcategories home, life, health, auto, boat, second home etc.
3. Now you are ready to set up your files; start with A; what do you have that starts with the letter ‘A’?

Remember: this should be set up so that YOU understand it. Make the names of the categories the same name that you use when you are looking for a paper. Such as under medical; (Specific) Hospital, (Specific) Doctor or Dentist. Medicare, Veterans, Medications; some people include their health insurance information in this area instead of under Insurance. Do whatever it is that seems natural for you. It will be easier to find the information when you need it.

4. Now Use the tab on the hanging folder for the name of your category such as Medical; and all of the folders that are in here will be the subcategories such as Doctor, Dentist, Hospital, Medicare etc.
5. On my folder for Medicine, I usually write on the outside of the folder the date I received my medicine and my out-of-pocket expenses too. This way at the end of the year, all I have to do is pull the folder and add up the list of expenses and I know what I paid for medicine during the year. It saves a lot of time and is easy to do.
6. Make sure that any important papers such as; deed, marriage license, vehicle titles etc. are kept in a safe.

Organizing your files saves you time, stress and gives you a feeling of security with the fact that you always know where the important things are and YOU can find them immediately. It is also a good idea to let a family member know where your papers are in case you are unable to get them yourself. If you feel better not having anyone have that information; make a list of the items that you have stored in other areas and place it in the front of your filing drawer and label it 'Important Information Look At FIRST'.

Posted June 11, 2008, filed in It's That Time, Clutter Control Products, Organizeit Projects, Clutter Hacks