How to organize a file cabinet system

You don't want to be looking at this list of folders in the future and wondering what "tfk" or whatever other interesting …. Cleanliness and organization go hand in hand, and systems are key to keeping your home organized. This mobile file cabinet keeps office supplies organized and files away important documents for a compact storage solution, can reasonably use space; The main benefits of a binder is it doesn't take up much space, and it.

These are the drawers of your computer's filing cabinet, so to speak. Use plain language to name your folders; Car insurance, health insurance, utilities, taxes, credit cards, bank statements, receipts, etc.

This system will be the lifeblood of your filing cabinet and will be the method by which you will file. Other years, I just create a folder for the month and file all the different bills in the monthly folder. Things are a little more complex now that many bills arrive via email — but digital organizing is a topic for a whole different post. Your email address will not be published.

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This article was co-authored by Ashley Moon, MA. In addition to helping people organize their best life, she has a fabulous team of organizers ready to de-clutter your home or business. Ashley hosts workshops and speaking engagements at various venues and festivals. She has trained with Coach Approach and Heart Core for organizing and business coaching respectively.

There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 89, times. Organize your filing cabinet by getting rid of old files, finding a filing system that works for you, and continually maintaining it. To organize a filing cabinet, sort your documents into different categories, such as utilities, auto, medical, pet, business, home, taxes, and finances. Then, place each stack of documents into a labeled hanging folder, and place multiple documents of the same type into sub-folders to keep them contained.

Decide if you want to organize the files alphabetically, by order of importance, or some other system. Finally, place the hanging folders into the cabinet so that they're easily accessible when you need them.

For tips on color coding and keeping the cabinet organized, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Buy a filing cabinet if you don't have one.

Consider a fireproof and waterproof cabinet, in case of any natural disasters that may strike your home. A bundle of such cabinets are found in local stores, furniture shops, carpentry shops and malls. Begin to go through your files. Set aside: Receipts for products you no longer own. Shred such documents before throwing them away, just in case any contain sensitive information. Paperwork to file should include those documents relevant now to daily operations and those you plan to archive.

Current paperwork should get the priority. That means placing these papers ready to file in the top drawer and in folders that go from most recent to older. Also, consider having a two-tier tray setup on your desk.

An example is unpaid invoices versus those already paid and waiting to be filed. Set aside folders in the filing cabinet to differentiate various aspects of your business.

For instance, you have files that contain important details about your employees. These can go in the human resources section of your cabinet. You also have paperwork related to sales and revenue, so these papers can go under finances.