How To Organize Home Files
Have you ever needed a receipt to look up the warranty information for something you purchased that is no longer working? While looking for the receipt, you find stacked underneath some pieces of junk mail your credit card statement that was due to be paid three days ago, causing you a $35 late fee! If this is your style of organizing bills, papers, and other important home files, it might be time to try a different style to help you tame the paper monster!
Here are some tips on how to organize home files:
Storing Files That Don't Need Immediate Attention
When you decide to finally go through all the papers and files you have lying around on the table, desk, and other catch-all places, you may notice a trend that most of of your receipts and payment stubs were just never filed away. An easy way to create a “home file center” is by purchasing a filing cabinet. I found a two-drawer filing cabinet at a yard sale for $4. This is where I store all my receipts, tax records, warranty information, appliance books, paid bills, bank statements, etc.
To create this wonderful and neatly organized filing system, you will need:
~Hanging file folders
~Manilla folders
~Banker's box (for the end of the year)
Create files for each of your utilities, mortgage or rent, insurance, loans, credit card payments, and other files you may need. Put them in alphabetical order so that they are easier to find and locate! Once you are done, you will have an organized and neat home filing system. As you are going through all your paperwork, have a trashcan ready so that you can dispose of any receipts that you don't necessarily need to keep (I am notorious for stockpiling grocery receipts)!
At the end of the year, take all these files in their manilla folders and store them in a bankers box with the year on the outside and place it in your closet or attic for future reference if needed.
Creating a Space For Home Files That Need Your Immediate Attention
I created a space on my desk for papers and bills that need my immediate attention. I purchased a 3 tiered tray at my local office supply store and labeled each tray–”bills”, “signature needed”, and “signed by mom or dad”. Our children know that if they bring in any forms or permission slips, to put these in the correct box and when I or my husband sit down at the desk, to pay bills, we know that these items need attention. Once they have been signed, the forms are placed in the ”signed by” box. The children know to check this box every day and to put these papers in their folders so that they can be turned in (this also helps teach responsibility in your children.)
Once you have your space created, the next step of is to stay on top of your filing system. When the mail comes in, don't just throw it on the table or the desk. Take just a couple of extra minutes and file things away where they need to go. The last and most important step is to sit down at least once or twice a week and take care of the mail in your boxes that are on your desk. This will help cut down on late fees, lost forms, and most importantly—it will help you tame the clutter that is trying to take over your home files!
Something that's made a huge difference for me is the “30 Days To An Organized Home” ebook by MomsinaBlog.com.
Work your way through organizing and decluttering every room in your house in 30 days. The daily tasks make it easy to follow along and kept me from getting overwhelmed with the task at hand.
You'll also find some helpful printable checklists that will keep you on task and allow you to track your progress.
Get your copy today at http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/organizedhome
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