Paper Clutter Binder Clips
Use a “To File” container – separate from your “Out” container – close to where you deal with paperwork Having the boxes close to where you work will allow you to easily organize your paperwork. You don’t have to get up and walk to another area.
Mark it with a Key Word in a bold color Before you put a piece of paper in the To File box, think of a key word that will alert you to where to file the piece of paper.
Always put the keyword in the same place such as the upper right hand corner. Then when you have to file you do not have think about where to file – your keyword tells you. Makes filing something you can do while you do something else enjoyable like listen to music or watch a show and file at commercial.
Do not use paper clips – Paper clips cause more problems because they get tangled with other papers and use more space then staples.
File by date with the most recent papers in the front – Most recent information will be the first thing you see and file maintenance is easier because the oldest papers (ones you are most likely to throw away) will all be located towards the back of the file.
Mark the date or hi-lite the date on papers you are filing – if you can not find a date on the document, just write or stamp the date on the document. Try to put it in the same place each time so that your eye automatically knows where to look. If you can find a date, then use a hi-liter to make it more visible to the eye. Seeing the date will make it easier for you to put files in date order. Having the date marked prominently allows you to access information more quickly and decide when you can throw it away.
Don’t overstuff your filing cabinet Nothing is more frustrating then trying to stuff papers into a crowded file cabinet. You will never want to file if you when you open your file cabinet it looks like you can not fit one more thing in there.
