How to Organize Paperwork
Paper Organization Using Color Coded Files
Here is how to organize paperwork using color coded files.
Paper organization is easier if you select colors for each category of personal information that you need to keep.
Efficient paper organization starts with setting up paper organization systems that keep you in control on a day to day basis.
- RED - use a red or orange color file for the "home" category. Red is associated with the warmth of the fireplace of the hearth and is a good color for all the files that have to do with home management and maintenance.
Keep all information about your house in these red file folders including:
- insurance
- property taxes
- rental or lease documents and agreements
- financing agreements such as a mortgage
- GREEN - use this color for financial files. Green is the color most often associated with money. In my country the paper money is purple and blue and brown, but green is still the color symbolically associated with money.
Use the green file folders for all financial information including:
- bank accounts
- loans
- personal lines of credit
- investments
- education, retirement and other long terms savings plans
- BLUE - use this color for the files associated with your income tax return information. Blue is typically the color associated with depression - it works for me!
In the blue file folders place any and all paper documents needed to support your income tax return for the year.
How to Organize Paperwork - Personal Files
Let each family member pick their own color or select a common color for the personal files and label with the individual name's.
Color coding works because at a glance you can see which files are in the same category.
Paper organization can be a challenge, but nearly all professional organizers and
home file organizer systems use color coding for
organizing paperwork.
All you have to do is purchase some colored file folders and use the colors that make sense to you for each of the categories in your
paper organization filing system.
More Paper Organization Tips
Once you have your color coded filing system established, here is
how to organize paperwork to go in it on a daily basis.
Set up an entryway storage system and you can have
the mail sorted before you take your coat off. Put a 5 day closet organizer in your entryway closet and each member of the family can have a special shelf for their own paper work that needs filing.
Use an over the door shoe organizer with pockets to file paperwork that is awaiting attention. You can assign personal pockets for family members or give the pockets categories or even sort by date so you can see at a glance what papers
will be needing attention this week.
Go back to Home Office Ideas for Organizing Home Office Spaces and the Paperwork of Life
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