File Organization

Hello Sunshine! I wanted to start back up the 'Let's Get Organized' series. This is where I share my tips and tricks on tackling a specific area in your home. I hope you follow along as I organize my home one space, one drawer, one piece a paper at a time.

I spent the last couple of days reorganizing my filing system, cleaning out old paperwork, and putting old important files in cold storage. You may remember how I organized my files with washi tape. It is one of my top viewed post on pinterest!

I still love the look but overtime the washi tape has started to peel at the edges. I am planning on replacing my folders with colorful ones with printable labels.

I have received quite a bit of emails asking me how I categorize my files so today I thought I would answer that question along with a few tips.

Our Filing System Organization

When you are sorting through your paperwork, keep pen and paper ready to jot down your categories. Our files are grouped by category and then by sub-categories. This is just how my brain likes to process our paperwork. I have used this system forever and it works for me. Lets get to it, shall we!

Financial

1. Bank Accounts | One folder for each account
2. Receipts
3. Medical Receipts
4. Utilities

Employment

1. One folder per family member per job
2. Retirement | Pension Plans

Student Loans | One folder per account

Vehicle

1. One folder for each vehicle
2. Titles

Insurance

1. Auto Policies
2. Health Insurance
3. Dental Insurance
4. Homeowners Policy
5. Life Insurance
6. Canceled Policies

Personal Records

I keep separate folders for each family member and pet. Each person has several sub-categories that have a separate folder. i.e.
            Darnetha

     •  Education

     •  Medical
     •  Personal

Dr. Jay

     •  Education

     •  Medical

     •  Publications

     •  Copyrights
Each kid has a School, Private Music, and Test Scores file.

Home

1. Home Improvements
2. Mortgage
3. Property Taxes
4. Manuals

Income Tax

1. 2014

2. 2013

3. 2012

How long should you keep your paperwork?

Keep Forever

- Tax returns

- Deeds, mortgages, and bills of sale

- Year-end statements for investments

- Legal Documents i.e. birth certificates, marriage licence, passports

- Medical Records

- Living Wills

- Retirement plans

Keep For One Year

- Paystubs

- Monthly banking statements

Tips

• Keep important documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, wills in a fireproof box
• Manage incoming paper by sorting immediately. Mail, for instance, if junk can be thrown away, filed or shredded if it contains sensitive information.
• Start simple - Come up with a system that is easy to use.
• Be colorful - Use colorful folders and labels, even color code if that's your jam.
• Making filing a habit - Find time during the week to empty your 'to file' box. It shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to complete.

I realize this system may not work for everyone. It may take sometime to find out what exactly works for you and your family. Do you have any tips on organizing your files? See ya soon!