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De-Clutter Bug Newsletter

Creating a Friendly Filing System

February, 2012

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in this issue
Types of Filing Systems
Labels for Files
Other Filing Systems
Clever Container
Attic, Basement, Closet (ABC) Sale

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!

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.

 

                                        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! 

 

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
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! 
Quick Links...
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Contact Information
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phone: 252.670.2951

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