Organize Your Paperwork

Wow! We’re already on day #10 of my “11-in-2011” challenge, and today’s goal couldn’t come at a better time.

It’s that time of year…time to start pulling together all your documents, forms, pay-stubs, and other tax information. If you’re an organized person, this is no big deal. You might even have everything together already. However, if paper clutter is your nemesis, you’ll have a bit more work ahead of you!

But don’t worry, I have a bunch of simple tips to start you off in the right direction!

Goal #10 = Organize your Paperwork

As a professional organizer, the request I get MOST often is for help with paperwork.  Over the last two years I’ve flipped, thumbed, and waded through more piles of paper than you can imagine…and you know what… I LOVE IT!!!

I know, I’m a sick woman, but there is just something about a super organized filing cabinet that makes my heart happy.

I know paperwork can be stressful and it probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list, but I also know that organized paperwork will save you lots of time, money, and stress later on — so it’s worth it!

TIME –> no more wasted time searching for what you want

MONEY –> no more over-due bills or late fees

STRESS –> peace-of-mind knowing things are under control

You can read more about how I set up our filing systems over here.

My Best Paper Tips:

• Invest in a good shredder.
• Get some type of filing system for your paperwork {you can probably find a nice filing cabinet on Craigslist!}
• Don’t go crazy — the only “tools” you need are hanging files, manila folder, tabs, and labels.
• Don’t worry about getting it exactly right the first time. It might take a few tries to figure out what works.
• Run your tabs all in the SAME DIRECTION {all on the left, all in the center, or all on the right} — this saves lots of time because your eyes only have to look in one direction.
• Alphabetical order make the most sense to me, but there’s more than one right way — do what works for you!
• I hand-write my labels so it’s super easy to add another one {as opposed to typing them}

How Long to Keep Your Papers:

{These are just my opinions. You should talk to a licensed attorney for specific questions about your paperwork}

Bank & Credit Card Statements:

You only need to hold onto these statements for one month…or until your next statements comes. I do all my banking online so I don’t even keep any paper statements. Now days, you can find any of this information on line, or by simply calling your bank or credit card company.

Utility Bills:

Again, you don’t need to hang onto these for more than a month since you can find all the information online or by calling the utility company. If you want to track your yearly utility usage, you may keep them for a year…but there’s no need to keep them any longer

Warranties & Receipts:

I keep all warranties until they expire and all my receipts until I use the product or give it as a gift. I have a manila folder for different warranties and manuals and a separate folder for receipts.

Insurance & Medical Statements:

Some of this information should be kept forever, other information {like routine bills and check-up info} can be purged at the end of the year.

Tax Documentation:

All tax documents must be saved for 7 years. I keep one manila folder for each year and after 7 years, I shred the oldest file.

Personal Info:

Most personal information like birth certificates, marriage licences, passports, etc. should be kept forever.

More Paper Organizing Resources:

1. Organize your Email

2. Organize your Coupons

3. Organize your Finances

4. Organize your Receipts

5. Go Paperless

How do YOU organize YOUR paperwork?