These files are used or accessed frequently.

A Working file should be kept in the drawers accessible from your desk chair. An example of an Action file is “Bills to Pay”. Action files are tasks that require action, and these files will be located on your desk or in a in box. It may help you to determine what is a Action, Working or Reference file. Files that are needed less frequently can be stored across the room or down the hall. The files you access the most should be kept closest to your chair. Configure your files according to file type.Toss what you no longer need as you see it!

Purge your files as you are going through them. For information about what to keep you can reference my Document and Record Keeping Guidelines.

Cleanse – Decide what your can shred or recycle based on your current needs.

– Only information that cannot be accessed online should be kept.

Product/Appliance warranties and manuals.

Bank accounts and financial accounts – Only information that cannot be accessed online should be kept.

Family members – One file for each family member to collect school information and other important documents.

Taxes – One folder for each year including the current year to hold donations given throughout the year.

Dental – One folder for each member of your family.

Medical – One folder for each member of your family (including pets).

Automobiles – A separate folder for each car.At home, the categories, will be similar to the following: Everyone’s categories will look different depending on their business or job role. Depending on your work or job function, some of your categories may be by project. Categorize – Put your documents and files into categories that make sense to you and others who need to reference them.However If paper is still very much a part of your life and going digital is not an option, I recommend following these 4 steps: Keeping documents electronically saves trees, space and time. I always recommend going paperless when possible. So, the paper piles up on the desk, floor and other surfaces. Files that are overstuffed, complicated and out of reach tend to be avoided. The key to keeping paper clutter under control is to make filing easy and accessible. I find with many of my clients it starts to take over the office. It is easy to let it stack up on your desk, floor, credenza and filing cabinets. Usually, filing is one of the most procrastinated and daunting jobs in the office. Taking the time to organize files makes finding and accessing documents painless.

How to organize your life for 2017