Whether you’re working remotely, in the office, or you run your own business, you’ll likely have piles of files around your office. This can lead you to lose or misplace important documents.
Losing the wrong document can break a business. It’s very important to keep your files properly organized and easily accessible.
If you’re not sure where to start when sorting through your files, keep reading for some of the best organization tips.
Create Categories and Declutter
As you sit down to sort through your files, you’ll want to declutter and organize files by categories. Be sure to create categories based on the documents you have.
Whether you’re sorting through personal files, like medical and property records, or you’re using a paystub creator and printing hard copies, you’ll want to create piles for each category of file.
While sorting through your papers, it’s important to declutter. This can help slim down unnecessary documents. Be sure to properly dispose of files, as they can contain important and sensitive information.
Properly Label Files
One of the best tips when starting to organize documents is to properly label your files. Once you create your piles, finding folders to store them in is very important.
To keep these files easily accessible, you’ll want to properly and clearly label your documents. Whether you’re managing finances or sorting your personal papers, not labeling can have you searching through papers for hours.
Be specific! Don’t just label folders with “finance” or “personal.” Instead, opt for particulars such as “2020 Tax Season” or “Medical Invoices.”
Find a Secure Location to Store Them
After you sort through and categorize your files into folders, you’ll want to find a secure yet easily obtainable location.
Whether you need a filing cabinet, hanging file organizers, or a desk drawer organizer, finding a system that works for you is very important. There are plenty of options that work with any office aesthetic.
Similarly, you’ll want to store vital documents, like your birth certificate or social security card in a fireproof lockbox. This can keep your valuable documents safe from any situation.
Electronic Options
While many documents are physical, paper files, keeping digital copies is a great way to have a backup.
Much like storing hard copies, storing digital files requires categorization and organization. You’ll save hours of clicking through files trying to locate the one you need if you keep your files organized in digital folders.
If you choose to digitally organize backups of your physical documents, you may want to store them on a hard drive. This can save you a headache if there is a computer malfunction.
Keep Your Important Documents Safe and Accessible
There’s nothing more stressful than being under a time crunch and frantically searching for a file. Properly storing your important documents can prevent stress, headaches, and lost money.
The perfect organizational system is clear, easily accessible, and clutter-free. Whether you’re sorting financial documents or personal papers keeping your files labeled is key.
If you found this post helpful, be sure to browse the rest of our website for more organizational and business-related content.