How to Organize Papers

We all have tons of papers to file and sort and sometimes it gets out of hand. I have a sure- fire way to sort papers successfully.

First: you need some tools

You need a filing cabinet, file folders and labels. You also need several paper bags for sorting, a sharpie and a pen.

Second: Put on some music or a good movie for distraction

Put on some music that you like or a movie that you love, but have seen 15 times to help you pass the time.

Third: Bring it all together

Bring all of your papers, file folders, labels and the filing cabinet, if it is on wheels, into your living room, or wherever you feel most comfortable. Also bring the paper bags and pens.

Fourth: Start sorting

Take a pile of papers and put it into categories using your paper bags. For example, with your Sharpie in big letters label one bag Medical, another Credit Cards, Mortgage, Car, etc. If something needs to be shredded or tossed out have a shredder and a garbage bag handy.

Once all of the papers are sorted, you can start filing.

Fifth: Filing

Make sure your file folders are labeled in such a way that you can find them gain. Use labels, or the folder itself and write things like: Medical, Banking, Mortgage, Car, etc.

Try to avoid a Misc. file. Separate everything into as many categories as you can so there isn’t a junk file folder. You’ll forget things in there.

Take the papers out of each of your bags, one bag at a time and start putting them into your labeled file folders. If you find more stuff to toss out or shred, go for it!