Is your biggest problem in your office knowing what to keep and what to get rid of? As I organize offices for women I find this is a big problem in the majority of homes. First it is necessary to have a filing cabinet that accommodates hanging folders. It is not necessary to have manila folders 98% of the time. If you live in a small space and don't have room for a filing cabinet use banker boxes which also come in plastic and are more durable than cardboard ones. Files can be placed under the desk or under a table if necessary. A filing cabinet could have two drawers and the top used as a small table.
Documents that need to be kept:
*Some of the most important documents to keep are those needed for tax deductions and verification. In the United States we have been told for years that we need to keep our tax related documents for 7 years. This is not entirely true, but to be on the safe side seven years is a good figure. For further information on records that need to be kept and a ton of other information go to www.irs.gov. A slick and easy way to file them is to create a hanging file with the label of Tax Documents. All year long toss things in this one file you'll need for taxes in that given year. *Medical records for each family member that contain immunization records, illnesses, a history of medications taken and other pertinent medical data. Do not keep past or present medical bills here. *Warranties and manuals, these can be placed in hanging files. Organize by type, kitchen, media, computer, outdoor, appliances. Many manuals come in several languages. Cut or tear out the languages you don't speak, this will save a lot of room. The version you keep can be easily stapled together. *Information on your home and property need. *If you aren't paying bills on line the paper bill needs to be filed until it is paid. *Literature to read, investments owned, clubs and association. These are readily available when filed in their own file. *Current projects, policies, legal documents, receipts that will be used for taxes or receipts to be kept for up to three months if there is a chance something will need to be returned. *Legal documents, credit history reports, social security summary, investments. *FreedomFiler is a system that forever frees you from the burden of cleaning out and reorganizing files. It is a maintenance-free system. It organizes by color and 'type of information'.
If in doubt about keeping a document or a piece of paper make a file for it and file it. It is better to error on the side of caution. Those paper bills do not have to be kept. Insurance papers need to be kept, but when a new policy arrives get rid of the old one. When you get a new booklet listing insurance benefits recycle the old one. Out with the old and in with the new will save you a lot of time and space. And you probably know a pack rat you can go to if you do get rid of something and realize later you wished you had a copy.
Marilyn's bio Marilyn is a creative organizer who helps women, seniors and their families create space and end clutter in their homes and offices by setting up custom made systems. Marilyn invites you to visit her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find solutions to your organizing needs. She offers free tips in her blogs, articles and videos for your home and office organizing solutions.
