Discover Organization Forums - What is the best way to organize paperwork

busybeehelpers · (#1 (**permalink**))

What is the best way to organize large amounts of paperwork that you must keep? I run a business and it seems as if I get overwhelmed by papers.

Flubb10 · (#2 (**permalink**))

I think the best way is the old fashioned way. To get a filing cabinet and file folders and hangers. There are some very fasionable ones at the container store.

phaedrus · (#3 (**permalink**))

If you have a lot of old documents that you have to keep, like tax records etc, for several years but have no real day to day use for. You should look into offsite storage. Especially if you are running out of room in your work place. There are some companies that will not only store them for the time required by law, 7 years etc, but will then dispose of them when the date expires.

xeric · (#4 (**permalink**))

old is gold, collection in file cabinet is what u prefer if u have huge amount of papers.

NetPal · (#5 (**permalink**))

As you are running a business, it is important that you keep all the necessary papers organized in a proper way. If you have customers/client records to keep then you should computerize everything (I am sure you have already done that). The problem is it becomes difficult to decide whether to destroy a set of papers or not? I suggest in any case you keep an electronic copy of eveything.

Akari · (#6 (**permalink**))

keep basic supplies like paperclips or staples at hand. the only thing worse than large amounts of paperwork is if they're all in a mess and loose papers are flying around.

tater03 · (#7 (**permalink**))

I know for my workspace I have just your basic file cabinet and it is alphabetized and color coded. I find that this works for me and helps me to find exactly what it is I need. I even made a color coded chart that shows me what each color means just in case one of the tabs comes off the folders.

NetPal · (#8 (**permalink**))

By using Cabinets and file folders necessary papers can be organized easily. The hard part is to start the habit of doing it. But once we are adjusted to it, then things become very easy.

hummingbird42256 · (#9 (**permalink**))

I agree with everyone else. A file cabinet is the way to go. If you have one already and still have the problem then I think you need to relabel your files. I have a file cabinet that is a mess. So I know I need to buy new files and create a new system and relabel my files.

busybeehelpers · (#10 (**permalink**))

Quote:

Originally Posted by NetPal

As you are running a business, it is important that you keep all the necessary papers organized in a proper way. If you have customers/client records to keep then you should computerize everything (I am sure you have already done that). The problem is it becomes difficult to decide whether to destroy a set of papers or not? I suggest in any case you keep an electronic copy of eveything.

Yes I am running a business and I have computer records but I still like to keep paper copies of everything as well.