How to Redo a Filing Cabinet

Keep your filing cabinet well organized.

Having access to a filing cabinet can make your life a lot easier and more organized. Simply having a secure place to keep your valuable paperwork can give you real peace of mind. But it's not enough to throw your papers into the filing cabinet and forget them. Reorganizing your filing cabinet from time to time will make it much easier to find those vital documents when you need them.

Things You'll Need

• File folders
• File folder frames

Instructions

1. Remove all of the files and folders from the filing cabinet and go through each document. Discard any paperwork you no longer need. Having a cabinet available sometimes encourages people to keep documents for longer than necessary.

2. Pull out any existing file folder frames from the cabinet. Check the condition of those frames and replace any that are bent or otherwise damaged. Over time those metal frames can become warped from the weight of the paper and file folders.

3. Insert a new frame into each drawer of the filing cabinet. Expand the frame to fit the available space and make maximum use of the cabinet.

4. Write or type labels on each of the file folders and folder hangers you plan to use in the filing cabinet. File your paperwork into the appropriate file folders.

5. Insert the file folders into the holders in alphabetical order, or whatever order is most appropriate for your needs. Leave enough room between the folders so you can easily retrieve your items when you need them.

References

• Mount Holyoke: General Filing Tips
• Google Shopping: Hanging File Folder Frame