File Space- Do you have it?

This week’s very late post is about creating a specific place for all that newly and neatly ordered and reduced mail.

This includes school notices and other flyers you receive and in which you are interested.

You previously sorted old school books and I am sure you have a few empty files lying around. This is the perfect opportunity to recycle those files!

Create an area in your home for a small ‘office ’. This could consist of a drawer and a shelf, or you might be lucky and actually have an office.

I use a concertina file to sort current bills and information, as well as using it as a dumping site for my till slips. At the end of the month I put all my slips in an A4 envelope, marked with the month, into one of my files.

You can have separate files for all your accounts. I have one for my two clothing accounts, one for my jewellery sales and classes, one for my private bank account and another for this blog and all its paper work. These are kept out of the way and out of sight. The concertina file is on a desk and easily accessible.

Once the month is over and everything has been paid or dealt with, then I file it. For me this is easier, as I have put the files in a cupboard that is slightly out of reach. I then slip everything into sleeves, so I don’t have to punch holes in any papers.

Remember, it is important if you don’t have a printer at home, to have your utilities and one other account come to your home address, in case you ever need proof of residence.

Once your space is created and you know how many files you need, start going through your accounts and file them in the manner you have chosen. Shred or destroy any documents that are older than 5 years unless you still need them for a DEFINITE reason. In case, is not a reason!

Any documents that contain bank numbers, ID numbers and other personal information, must be shredded before you put them in your recycling bag.

Understanding what you want out of your filing system is half your work.

An idea to make sorting a little less chaotic, is to sort into piles first, then sort each pile into date or alphabetical order as needed and only then into the appropriate files.  This may seem logical to most and maybe a little condescending but it is not meant to be. I have just watched two women at work, walk up and down taking files out, filing the document, putting the file back and then having to take the same file out 5 minutes later to put in another letter.

Once you have all your papers sorted and in the files you want, you will be able ‘see’ your finances better, be able to do a detailed income and expense personal audit, and you will be able to see what goals you need to set for yourself.

For more information go to my inspiration! An American blog called http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/declutter.html