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De-Clutter Bug Newsletter
Creating a Friendly Filing System
February, 2012
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Filing in February. It has a nice ring to it. This is the perfect time to get your files cleaned out and in order.
Filing is a boring task but if you take the time to go through all your paper and get rid of paper that you no longer need and properly file what you do need, you will find filing a less overwhelming task. Tending to mounds of paper takes time and it takes patience but it is worth it when you have finally gotten your system in place. Remember, there is no magic in any of this! You have to sit down and actually do the work for any filing system to work! So, schedule some time, roll up your sleeves, grab some folders and let's get to it! And, of course, if you need some help, you can always give me a call and I can help you get to a new starting place and put a system in place that will work for you! |
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TYPES OF FILING SYSTEMS
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Filing Alphabetically
Filing alphabetically is probably the least effective way of filing papers. One day you may decide to put some insurance information under the type of insurance or under the name of the insurance agency or under the name of the insurance agent.
Filing Categorically
Filing by categories is another way to file. You can file in broader categories such as finances, health, family, etc. Then you can break it down into smaller sub-categories. Some people even go as far as color coding their files. For example:
Green for Finances
Blue for Career and Educational Files
Orange for Health and Fitness
Purple for Hobby
Red for Family
Filing by Month
Another way to file is by month. You label twelve folders, January - December and put each month's bills or information in that month. This method is obviously the easiest but can make it difficult to find a document that you need.
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LABELS FOR FILES
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If you purge papers, as you should, and keep your information up to date, there should not be too much paper in each folder. Last month's newsletter contained information about what papers to keep and for how long.
If you choose to file by categories and sub-categories, here are some examples of some broad categories you can use. Keeping files simple will make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
Label folders with a generic category instead of vendor name since the actual vendor may change. This may not be the case for banking, if you do business with several different banks.
AUTOMOBILES
Auto Repairs
Auto Insurance
Loan/Lease Information
BANKING
Bank Statements
Loan Information
Safety Deposit Keys and Contents List
EMPLOYMENT RECORDS
Pension Plan Information
Social Security Records
Pay Stubs
FINANCES
Stock and Investment Statements
Credit Card Statements
HOUSING
Home Repair Records
Loan Information
Homeowners Insurance
Property Tax Information
Housing Maintenance
(Lawn, Security, etc)
LIFE AND DISABILITY INSURANCE
PEOPLE
Information about family members that is not health related
PETS
Vet Records
Rabies Certification
UTILITIES
Power
Gas
Water
Phone
Cable/Satellite
Trash
MEDICAL
Medical Reports
Eye Examinations
Prescriptions
(We will cover more about organizing Medical Records in the March Newsletter)
You do not need to use all these categories and you may want to add some of your own that fit with your family's needs. The secret to a filing system is not making it too detailed and finding one that works.....for you!
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OTHER FILING SYSTEMS
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There are other ways to attack filing. Some people are purchasing a filing system that comes pre-labeled and teaches you a system of filing and another product scans all your papers and organizes them digitally. Again, remember, no system can do all the work for you. You have to do the follow through and the work to make these systems work for you.
Here are the links and a little information about both of these.
FREEDOM FILER
This is a system that is a self purging system that comes with labels and a tutorial.
NEAT DESK
"NeatDesk is a high-speed desktop scanner and digital filing system that will quickly turn all the paper on your desk into organized, digital files. More than just a great scanner, NeatDesk also includes patented Neat software to identify and extract key information from your paper files, then automatically organizes it in the easy to use database."
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Check out another of Clever Container's fabulous products.
This month's feature product:
Black Scroll Fruit Bowl
A great, stylish way to keep your fruit fresh
Check out this product and a lot of others on my website
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Attic, Basement, Closet (ABC) Sale
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Do you have unwanted items that you would like to donate! Here is a great opportunity to begin your spring cleaning.
The New Bern Historical Society is having their ABC Sale on March 3, 2012 from 7:30 - 1 P.M. at the Knights of Columbus Building. Bring all the items you would like to donate to the New Bern Historical Society at 511 Broad Street.
Call 252.638.8558 for more information.
Donate any pictures, furniture, kitchenware, hardware, toys, jewelry, books, linens, seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, electronics, brass, dishes......everything except clothes, big old computer monitors, perishables or car seats! |
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Quick Links...
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Contact Information
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phone: 252.670.2951
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