Filing system for home

Here are some great links to get you started!

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

http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/set-up-a-household-filing-system

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

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/home-filing-system/

My system is quite a bit different as I do not own a computer, so everything I have is hard copy paper.

For my disabled clients I use the plastic file boxes with a handle. Remove all envelopes and extra ads, papers etc. File in manilla folders and label each, and put them in hanging folders alphabetically. I usually grab these boxes at thrift stores when I see them, or I've brought them a home stores that sell office supplies. I also have a two drawer file cabinet in my home in a closet. You can also buy these on rollers to go under a desk.

go VERTICAL wherever you can - walls are wasted space in most rooms

when you label, be sure to have sub-categories and later you can move everything to past YEARS category and put in containers at the tip top - out of reach but available IF you need them (save important docs for 7 years-tax reasons) - try digitizing more of your paperwork to save space. The shelving units you choose can be covered with fabric / curtains / etc. - you can build your own shelves or buy them (cheaper to build) but dedicate one entire wall to files, desk, but you can dress it up as you wish.

Check out office furniture on Walmart, Amazon, Target under filing cabinets. If you have room for end tables or nightstands you can find all kinds and styles. Check thrift stores, yard sales, etc. Any piece that has a drawer or two that's wide and deep enough you can insert a frame to hold file folders. There are also baskets that can go on a shelf to put files in.

You can purchase two drawer filing cabinets in either metal or wood. You can give it double duty by using it as an end table

We started with a box and files under the bed, graduated to a 2 drawer filing cabinet or desk with drawers large enough for files. Just put them in alphabetical order like Auto ,Bills, Home, Tax Receipts. etc. That will get you started. Now we have two 4 drawer cabinets and two 2 drawer ones. We need to purge our filing system! lol

A brown expansion file will hold originals of important papers. Your cell phone can hold copies of other papers. Plus, try to get every bill and banking online, create a strong password, and save everything in phone/internet/cloud files. After you have filed your taxes, keep essential papers in a big shoebox—which may hold up to five years’ worth. Label the shoebox from the year you start and stow the shoebox at the back of a cabinet or closet. Keep the expansion file near where you sort mail or pay bills. (The files come in colors, but the brown is cheaper, and you can decorate either kind.) best wishes ☺️

They have small wood filing cabinets that look like night stands. Office supply stores sell them.

They have small wood filing cabinets that look like night stands. Office supply stores sell them.