Today I wanted to explain my "current papers" folders, something I mentioned in some of my goals posts. For months, I was having an insane amount of trouble keeping track of papers. At first, they were all over the house and I could never find anything. I then managed to contain them in a plastic dishpan (or two), but I still couldn't find anything without rifling through a twelve-inch stack of paper.
I realized that I didn't have nearly that much trouble at work. (I help DangerBear part-time with his business.) Why was that? After much pondering, the little light bulb finally went on. I used folders.
I don't know why I didn't think of it before, especially considering my love of office supplies. I took fifteen minutes to set up my folders and have saved untold minutes since.
This little blue file crate sits on top of my desk. In it are file folders to hold all current papers. At least once a day, I gather any mail and other accumulated paper and sort it into the folders. Mine are labeled:
- Bills to Pay
- Actionable
- To File
- DangerBear's Company (This one isn't in the picture.)
- Five Fat Files (Articles and information of interest to me.)
- Reference
- Scrapbooking
Super simple. I go through the folders at least once a week and take care of them. Then the papers either get thrown out or filed in the household filing cabinet. And I can rest easy knowing I'm not forgetting anything important.
I'l keep this in mind when I get ready to tackle one of the goals I've made for April--to fix my broken filing system! Right now I have to tackle the more pressing issue of cleaning up the junk room that is supposed to hold the desk, filing, and so much more. I calculate the filing will be relegated to about week three!