The Key To Success 

Tax season can be a daunting time for many people, especially if you haven’t diligently kept up with your paperwork throughout the year. The key to staying on top of the never-ending influx of paperwork is maintenance. Just as your car needs regular maintenance in order to function properly, your paperwork needs regular maintenance in order to be functional for you.

There is a reason why filing cabinets and desktop file organizers keep paperwork vertical. It makes for easy access and easy maintenance. Just think about it… is it easier for you to look through a large stack of papers on your desk and keep them organized? Or can you more easily find what you are looking for when you can thumb through a drawer of neat, labeled folders?

Remember This…

Getting your paperwork in order is definitely no small feat, especially if you have never had any kind of organization system set in place. The big thing to remember, like with all organizing projects, is that it takes time and patience to get organized. Your space will not be perfect overnight. Sorting and purging paperwork is a tedious task that just simply takes time. Don’t get discouraged throughout the process! Just remember where you started, how far you’ve come, and where you want to be.

Where To Start

Our biggest reminder when tackling your paperwork is to work in manageable increments of time. Setting a timer while sorting through papers will help you to not get overwhelmed. If you set a small goal to work a certain amount of time every day, your files will be organized in no time! It just takes staying motivated to do a little each day.

It’s also important to celebrate small victories. Taking the time to relish in the work you’ve done will help you push toward your big goal. Don’t be afraid to share with your family and friends what you accomplish. You might even inspire them to tackle organizing their paperwork!

How To Maintain Your Files

If you feel like you are drowning in paperwork within your home, try incorporating these tips to create a functional filing system!

1. Utilize Labels

Labels can help you to know what you have in each folder and allow you to easily put things where they belong. Be sure to write legibly or use a label maker! We also advise that when labeling your folders, you use keywords that make sense to anyone reading them. An added bonus of incorporating labels is that everyone in your household will be able to help maintain the organization!

2. Create A Color Code System

Creating a color code system using colored folders can be extremely helpful! By grouping similar categories within your filing system using a certain color, you will be able to better maintain your file organization because of the link it will make in your memory. It is also a great way to involve your children in organizing if they want to help you. You can make a game out of putting certain papers with their coordinating color!

3. Implement A Drop Zone 

Creating a vertical drop zone within you home will help you to immediately sort paperwork coming into your home before you move it to your main file system. Trying implementing a desktop file organizer in your office or a tiered wall hanging mail organizer in your kitchen. There, you can put mail, receipts, bills, and any other paperwork in short-term storage, ensuring you don’t misplace them before moving them into permanent storage.

4. Set A Reminder

Like we said before, maintenance is the key to making a functional filing system! Set a reminder on your phone or a write a note in your calendar for a certain day each week or every other week where you can set aside a good amount of time to sort recent paperwork. Once you have a system in place, this maintenance should not take long. Instead of the daunting task it once was, it will become a manageable task that you can look forward to!

We hope these tips will empower you to tackle organizing your paperwork! Be sure and let us know in the comments below what information you found most helpful in this blog and what you’d like to read about next!