Get Organized

 Over the years I have tried many ways to control my paper clutter. I discovered that the binder system works best for organizing important files and documents in my home.
I like binders for several reasons:

• Portable: If you have ever moved file folders don’t pack them correctly (meaning right side up) you have a big mess when you unpack them at your next location.
• Flexible: I have stored binders on shelves, in cabinets, and in drawers.
• Cheap: Binders are a dime a dozen at yard sales, and even if you buy them new they aren’t very expensive.
• Easy to use: For me, binders make it easy to file and keep track of papers. I can’t stand “flipping” through file folders with my head bent down over the file cabinet trying to locate an important paper.

Items needed for a using binders to organize your paperwork:

• 3 Ring Binder
• Three hole punch

Extra items:

Page dividers

Page Protectors

 

Pencil Pouch

Currently my binders are stored in a drawer in the office. I have a To Do folder that is kept in a convenient place for immediate filing.  Once a week (or sometimes once a month) I take the papers out of the folder and organize them in the binders.

I use the page protectors to hold documents are more important and can’t have holes. I use the pencil bags to store small items like envelopes, used checkbooks, store cards, and receipts.
I printed labels on white paper for the spine of each binder, so I can easily see which one I need. I have binders for:

• Investments
• Banking
• Insurance
• Homeschool Records
• Medical Records
• Car Records
• Household Records

About every six months I go through my binder and shred unneeded documents.
I love my binder system. For me it is so much easier than digging through file folders to find paperwork.
What filing system works for you?