In this growing world of technology it’s easy to become overwhelmed with both paper and electronic records.
Don’t let the paper piling up and emails coming in get out of hand.
Know what needs to be kept and what can be discarded. If you’re good at organizing, it’s time to put those great skills to use!
Stop The Clutter
Planning a path to manage documents more effectively, can be easily accomplished.
Having a clear record organization strategy will keep the mountain of paperwork and digital files cleanly kept away and in it’s appropriate place.
Organizing Important Data Can Keep You Safe
Being able to know which documents to keep and for how long is essential for staying organized.
Protect yourself in case of audits or disputes, by knowing what to retain and what to let go.
This can be very important when it comes to taxes, medical records, financial statements, certificates, among other sensitive documents that need attention.
Bills
Sort your bills into piles that indicate which ones have been paid and ones that still need to be paid.
*Organizing bills to be paid should always be by the due date, and remain at the top or in front of your file until paid, so not to be overlooked.
Keeping your most current records in the front of your files will help keep them arranged by date.
Medical records should be organized by name, with files pertaining to medical organization ie: hospital/doctor
Pet Records
Pet records are important for travel among other things…..
Proof of vaccination
Prescriptions for diets,
or even important medical records needed in case of emergency.
Separating Valuable Property Documents
Separating cars by make or model, makes information easily accessible
Property documents can be arranged by location or value.
Keep extra copies of the most important documents in a different place in the event that the original gets misplaced.
Binders, or fire proof boxes are a few good options for storing large amounts of records.
Or have an electronic copy as a backup.
Have A Miscellaneous File
Documents that fall into a miscellaneous category will create an easy path to discarding the ones that are no longer needed. Maybe also having a file to shred or throw them away.
Pulling unnecessary documents or paperwork from the previous years will eliminate paper and free up space in the filing cabinet.
Once your system is complete, make sure that it is easy to understand.
In the event someone else needs to find something, they will be able to locate it both quickly and easily.
Always make sure file folders and dividers are labeled appropriately.
Having a log or reference as to how files are kept in case of emergency is handy to save time when needing to access files immediately.
Well organized records can save time and reduce the stress of finding misplaced documents when you need them in a hurry.
Staying ahead of the clutter is key, by filing and handling documents in a timely manner.