When it comes to organizing personal documents, there are several methods you can use. One of these is to sort them into categories. Once you’ve sorted the papers into categories, you can start identifying important ones and shredding them. The best way to organize personal documents is to separate your important documents from the less important ones. Personal documents should be shredded if they contain personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, or credit card number. Other, less sensitive documents can be recycled.
Organize documents into active and archive piles
Separate personal documents into two separate piles: the active pile contains documents that you want to keep for quick access, and the archive pile contains documents that you don’t need often. Make sure the active pile is near where you process your documents so that you can find them easily. The archive pile should contain your personal files, as well as documents that are associated with your professional work. For example, you may want to keep upcoming wedding invitations in the “upcoming events” pile, and any documents related to ongoing projects in the “pending” pile. In addition, you may want to file pages of catalogs in the “shopping” pile.
Organizing personal documents is easy and fast. First, organize all your important documents into subcategories. For example, you may have different files for real estate, academic, car, employment, health, or personal identification. After you have categorized your files into different subcategories, you can sort them into a labeled file folder. Then, store the files in a fire-proof box or safe.
If you’re keeping financial records, make sure to go through your papers each month. Archive papers include important documents you might not need in the near future, such as tax records, real estate appraisals, and vital records. These files should be stored in a basement or a non-prime real estate storage facility.
Another way to organize your files is to assign a primary color. For example, you can label important documents in the brightest folder, while less important ones should be filed in a darker color. This will make finding them easier and prevent misfiling. Additionally, a simple file index is a good idea.
The action pile contains documents that you’ll need to deal with immediately, while the archive pile contains documents you’ll need for the long term. For example, you might organize your files by employer if you’re an independent contractor. Create a folder for each employer, and further subdivide files within broad categories. Then, you could further categorize the files by project.
Sorting files into subcategories
If you are in the process of sorting personal documents, you may want to think about making subcategories. These categories will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Once you have identified the subcategories, you can begin to sort papers into them. Although you should resist the temptation to create permanent labels for your files, you can use color-coded sticky notes to help you stay on track.
You can start by sorting documents by family members. Each member of your family should have a separate stack of household documents. These documents may include mortgage documents, tax records, marriage certificates, and other general household papers. After sorting through these, you can decide on the subcategories for each family member.
Once you’ve decided on subcategories, you should group your documents into broad categories and then into more specific ones. For example, if you work for several employers, you should organize your files by employer. Make sure that you create a separate folder for each employer. Within the broad categories, you should further divide your files according to the types of work you’ve done.
Keeping important documents in a safe deposit box
One of the best ways to organize personal documents is to store them in a safe deposit box. Whether the documents are originals or copies, these boxes can provide you with security and peace of mind. These boxes are typically located in banks or credit unions. However, you must keep in mind that they are not flood-proof or disaster-proof. The best way to secure your documents is to purchase a home safe that is fireproof and has a locking mechanism.
Many people prefer scanning their documents rather than storing them in a safe deposit box. This way, they don’t have to worry about a flood, fire, or theft. Moreover, these storage solutions save you the cost of replacements and avoid the hassle of maintaining the originals. Many people also find it difficult to afford the high cost of safe deposit box rentals, especially if they move frequently for work or family reasons.
Most people collect thousands of pages of documents. Some of these are trivial, while others are more sentimental or financial in nature. Although different people have different methods of organizing their documents, they should all keep them in a secure place. When you start organizing your documents, use a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything. Then, decide where to keep them and make sure that family members know where they can find them.
Besides a safe deposit box, you can also purchase a fireproof, lockable home filing cabinet. If you have a small home, you may want to invest in a small safe, or you can store your documents in a safe deposit box in a bank. A good home filing cabinet and a fireproof home safe are the most secure ways to store your important documents.
Keeping important documents in a safe deposit boxes can be a daunting task for some people, but it’s the best way to organize personal documents. By doing so, you’ll have a more organized life and avoid the possibility of losing important documents.
