How do I orginize and store paper work of everything?

I have sooo man breif cases and binders file folders full of documents both new and old. I am overwhelmed !! Do not have a filing cabinet let alone a filing system! Help me please?!

  5 answers
  • You need a system! I do folders. Everything has its own folder. But that is what works for me. I don't have a computer so all my stuff is paper and lots of it. Here are some sites to help you out.


    https://www.thespruce.com/organizing-a-home-filing-system-2648257


    https://www.smead.com/hot-topics/filing-system-1396.asp


    https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-establish-a-home-filing-system-214741

  • Cindy Cindy on Feb 17, 2019

    Hi Delores. I'm Cindy. Get yourself a filing cabinet ASAP. Walk thru your local thrift stores or Good Will. They usually have filing cabinets on hand. Get some folders and the metal structure for inside each drawer if they don't already have it. I recommend that you also get a shredder. Start slow and go thru at least one brief case at a time. Use a sharpie to label the folders. You can even dedicate the drawers. For example, top drawer for personal papers, second drawer for business paperwork, etc. Shred the papers that you don't need any more. Be sure to remove all staples before shredding. Shredders and staples do not mix. The best advice I can give you is to keep the paperwork moving. Don't let yourself get backed up again. Once you have a system in place, it will be easy to continue it. Good luck Delores.

    • Delores Vanwinkle Delores Vanwinkle on Feb 18, 2019

      Thank you Cindy. I truly don't believe I've ever been caught up with paper work?! I mean every day I go to the mailbox there is just an enormous amount of envelopes regarding something for my son and I. Whatever happened to save the trees?! I tell ya marketing folks and bill collectors, not to mention the so many others that love to send out paper! LOL! great ideas you've given. I'll look at the thrift stores never thought of that. I really can not afford a shredder at this time. Do you have any other ideas on how to destroy all the paperwork.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 17, 2019

    Hi Delores! Here's a link for a free printable so that you know what you actually need to keep because for me, the first step to organizing is decluttering. That said, I have a flat basket (it is deep enough that the folders stand up) with current folders (they are regular folders in nice colors and are in alphabetical order by label). I have an accordion folder for current bills. Old tax returns (with documentation) are kept in a document box. Titles, deeds, etc. are kept in a file box that is fireproof. The simpler I keep my system, the better I keep it working.

    https://www.cleanmama.net/2013/08/how-long-should-i-keep-it-for-free-printable.html


    • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Feb 17, 2019

      Whooops! I forgot to mention that scanning some of your paperwork will help, too.

  • Cindy Cindy on Feb 18, 2019

    Hey there Delores. It's Cindy again. I hear ya. The amount of garbage mail amazes me. Companies spend a fortune on advertising and I just throw it all away. All that money down the drain. 90% of our mail gets tossed. As far as getting rid of paperwork without having a shredder, just rip it up yourself AFTER you tear off any personal info. like name, address, and account numbers. I live in a small town in Illinois. Twice a year our town offers shredding services for free. I have used this service in the past. They use a huge machine that shreds papers, boxes and all. They set it up in the parking lot of our village hall. I'm wondering if your town offers the same thing. Give them a call and ask. If they do, you won't ever need to buy a shredder. Well, I hope this helps you. Write back if you need more help. Take care. Cindy.