As an Organizational Nut, let me tell you how upset this picture made me. Yes, you are seeing correctly. Those are paperbags being used as filing cabinets.
LOL.
Now that I've let that giggle out. I have to tell you all: This is just unacceptable if you are running a business. And I'm going to have to fine the next person I see using this organizational strategy.
I know filing has the reputation for being the most boring task ever. I remember at one particular job, we'd wait to file until the stack was so high we could no longer see our desks OR floor. Then we'd spend a whole afternoon in the "cave" filing away folders we had a 1 in 10,000 chance of pulling out again. And yes "we", as in we filed using the buddy system.
However, I've thankfully changed over the years and although filing still is not entertaining, I now don't mind it as much. Yet, the last few weeks have been a flurry of activity and I found myself with a stack of papers scattered about my office. So with the help of my kitten, Tuxedo, some labels, hanging folders, plastic tabs, and a pen I got down to work.
People always think to be organized you need an elaborate filing system and a printer that types really really small. You don't. This is what I did.
1. I sorted my files by topic and wrote down a list of all the different types of files I have. (Example: Business Planing, Invoices, Medical Bills, Receipts, School, and etc.)
2. I then sorted them into two piles. Pile A: Business files & Pile B: Personal Files.
(Business files will now go in the top filing cabinet and personal files at the bottom.)
3. Next, I wrote by HAND the filing topic on each label. I inserted the label into the plastic tabs in put them in alphabetical order.
4. Finally, I attached tabs to hanging folders in the now alphabetized order and hung the folders one by one in the correct drawer.
THE END.
Okay, now for all of you who haven't filed in years. This may appear to be a ten year job. So what I suggest until you can find the time or help to organize backlogs of folders. Start with the documents on your desk right now. Or file only the documents that you have received in the last three months. Starting small will get you used to the idea and get you used to filing every day.
Trust me it helps. Today as I was running out my house for a meeting I remembered I needed to bring samples of my work. All I had to do was open up the drawer and look in "Client Samples" to pull out what I needed. It was that easy!
***Notice that I did not make tabs for files I don't have yet. If you don't like to file in the first place, why do you need empty folders in your cabinet to remind you? In other words, only make new folders as the need arises. ***
If you have any additional suggestion for filing please share them with us in the comment box!!!
2 comments:
We at American Folder Company have been a family owned File Folder, Pressboard Folder and Expanding File Pocket manufacture Since 1985
Is great to read about the many ways to file, but one thing that seems to be missed is the cost to set up a filing system.
The key is to buy your filing supplies direct from the manufacture cutting out the middle mans mark up, thus you will see a savings of at least 25%.
Also by going to a manufactures web-site like AmericanFolder.Com you will find many alternative filing solutions not available at the retail level.
Also from the home page you can click on Articles and read about the many different ways to file
Thank you for allowing me to respond
Frank Severino
Owner
American Folder Company
888-580-FILE (3453)
AmericanFolder.com
Thanks frank for your comments! Many people refrain from organizing because they think it will be expensive to do. Thanks for reminding us that there are a variety of alternative solutions that won't break the bank!
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