Let Go of Clutter by Organizing Your Files

The third week in April is Organize Your Files Week.  This year, that week starts on April 15, which is a good time to sort out all the paperwork you have from filing your taxes. Consider what other paperwork you need and let go of the rest.

Some of you struggle with the word “need.” Truly, do you need receipts for things you’ve returned, warranties from products you no longer own or bills that you’ve paid off?

When you have trouble deciding what to keep, remember that there are only three types of filing:

Active

Reference

Archive

Active files are the ones you use regularly, at least once a week, and should be easily accessible.

Reference files are used less often. They don’t need to be kept in prime file storage because you only look at them a few times a year.

Archives, like your birth certificate, car title or previous years’ taxes, can go in more remote storage. You need to get to them when the situation arises, but you don’t need them in your immediate work space.

Start out by deciding which paperwork belongs in each category, then plan where your files will be stored. You may be surprised by how much space you save.

Organized by Marcie TM: Save time and money by letting go of what you don't need and finding room for what you value

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