Tag Archives: filing

It Is Clutter Awareness Week: Can you identify clutter?

“Clutter is postponed decisions.”
— Barbara Hemphill

This is National Clutter Awareness Week.  Most of us think we can identify clutter when we see it, but can we?

Kitchen BeforeLet’s take a look at some of the items we can identify in the picture above and determine:

Clutter or Correct Place?

Stack of Ziploc bags.  Although we use Ziploc bags in the kitchen, the extra boxes probably would be better stored in the pantry.  Clutter.

Sleeping bag.  Does a sleeping bag belong in the kitchen?  No.  Clutter.

Small filing system:  The filing system may very well belong in the kitchen even though our first instinct would be that it belongs in an office.  If the kitchen is where the homeowner pays bills and does their filing, then it makes perfect sense.  Correct Place.

Pest control product:  There may very well be pests in the kitchen, but the pest control product more appropriately should be stored away from food.  Clutter.

Large slow cooker:  If this appliance is used on a regular basis, then this is the perfect place for it.  If it is only used occasionally, then it should be placed in a more out-of-the-way place.  Correct Place.

Lots and lots of plastic storage containers:  Plastic containers are certainly used in the kitchen, however, the sheer quantity of containers we see in this picture pushes them into the clutter category.  Clutter and Correct Place

There were lots and lots of decisions to be made while working with this homeowner, but she was motivated and determined to take back her kitchen.  Here’s how we left it at the end of our work together.  She’s happy to report to me (on a regular basis) that her counters are still clear and her kitchen functions more as a kitchen and less as a storage area.  I’m so proud when my clients can maintain and improve upon the work we do together!

Kitchen 4 After

Cindy Jobs

cindy@organizetosimplify.com

Organize to Simplify RGB www.organizetosimplify.com

Member Color - WebNational Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Chapter President
 ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 websiteCertified Premium Subscriber, Institute for Challenging Disorganization

What’s the best filing system for you?

Filing System

What’s the best filing system?  Short answer . . . “it depends.”

A filing system is just a way to control how paper, or information, is stored so that when you need the document or data, it can easily be retrieved.  That sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?  Easier said than done in most circumstances.  If you are looking for the perfect filing system, you need to ask yourself some very important questions:

  1. Who will be using the system?  Will is just be you or will others need access and understanding of the system?
  2. Will documents be in paper or electronic format?
  3. How much space will you need for your filing system?
  4. Where will the files be kept?
  5. How do you want to designate personal vs. business files?

1.  If you are the only one that will use the filing system, you can do pretty much whatever makes sense to you.  If you want to file by color, then file by color.  If you want to file by date, then file by date.  If you want to “file” in plastic totes, go for it. However, if the filing system will be shared with other people, it’s important to ensure all the stakeholders have input into the system.  Taking stakeholder input into the design of the system will ensure understanding and buy-in with all parties.

2.  If the documents are going to be stored in paper format, make sure only relevant paper is retained.  Much of the time when paper documents (bills, insurance renewals, etc.) are received in the mail, there are inconsequential documents that come along with them.  Be sure to discard any non-essential paperwork and don’t jamb up the filing system with things that are not needed to support your home or business.

If you are filing electronically, make sure there is a universally understood naming convention that everyone adheres to.  For example, your September Comcast bill may be named “2014.09 Comcast” vs “September Comcast bill.”  Using a naming convention that includes the year and month will make document searches much easier.

No matter what format the records are retained in, it’s important that appropriate record retention and purging guidelines be adhered to.  It’s best to check with your accountant to ensure understanding of record retention guidelines to support your personal or business tax situation.

3.  Make sure you have enough space for your filing system so drawers do not become so packed that they can not be used effectively.  Filing drawers should only be 70% – 80% full,  allowing for ease of movement within the drawers.  Using hanging folders will also make a filing system much easier to use.

4.  Ensure that your filing system is located where all stakeholders can easily access it.  If it’s too far away from the frequent users, information will not get filed in a timely basis, resulting in lost productivity.

5.  If you manage files for both a home and business, make sure the files are not mixed together.  For example, even though it may make sense to keep a tax receipts together, when it comes time to do your taxes, you will be glad you didn’t.  That holds true for utility bills, car expenses, real estate documents, etc.  Your accountant will thank you for keeping your home and business records separate.

I could go on-and-on about filing.  What’s the best way?  When should it be done? Should files or binders be used?  If folders are used, should they be color-coded or plain?  Should the tabs be straight-line or staggered?  There are lots and lots of ways to file correctly.   What it basically boils down to is . . .  do what works for you and your team.

Cindy Jobs

www.organizetosimplify.com

Member:  National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), Seattle Area Chapter President

Certified Premium Member:  Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)