Ugh! Paperwork is the worst. This is my least favorite thing to organize but somebody has to do it. If you have paper clutter, I’m sorry and here is a simple way to get that mess off of your desk and into the proper place.
Most of the time I’m showing you examples of client homes but since I would be spending more time on the east coast and I had to set up another office there, I thought I would show you the system I created for myself. I will walk you through how to set up a filing system for yourself using the Space to Love® 5 Step Method to getting and staying organized.
Step 1 - Set up, you will need Post-it notes, a marker, cleaning supplies, file folders (left), trash, recycle, shred pile and a label maker.
Step 2 - Sort, Bring all your paperwork together to start forming your macro categories. Some examples of your macro categories could be House, Work and Personal. Once you figure out what the big categories are then you break them down into micro categories. Let’s say for your House category, you will separate the Water bill, Electric bill, House Repairs etc. Then with your Personal category, smaller categories might be Health Insurance, Car Insurance, Kids, Vital Records. I added a Work Category because I lot of us are working from home and it is good to keep personal and work separate.
Step 3 - Select, for paperwork the selection process is different then clothes or other house hold objects. Some of the papers or notebooks you are going through could be from old classes or seminars that you took. I know your will feel like you need to keep them and reference them but if you haven’ t looked at them in a couple of months or even years chances are you will not need them. When selecting keep in mind what you can access on-line, whether it be with bills and statements or info that Siri can tell you in a few seconds that would take you hours to find in your old notes. This is where you really try to see how much paperwork you can let go of.
Step 4 - Sanitize, get out your cleaning supplies and wipe down the desk and your computer. It always feels good the clean and it’s easier when everything is out of your way.
Step 5 - Style, this is personal and you have to see how many files you are left with and how much space you have and need. I used this filing system from The Container Store because I do like the way it looks and I wanted it open so I can see all my folders. If you wanted a closed option this is one of my go-to’s for my clients. However, you may need a bigger option like this if you have more paperwork. With any option you will need to have hanging folders, to be used for you macro categories.
I hope you found this useful and we would love to hear what you think.
If you are struggling to get organized don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help:)