How to Organize an Electronic Filing System

When organizing an electronic filing system it's like organizing any filing system. Think about how you would look for the file and name it appropriately. If you have tons of files finding the one you are looking for can be frustrating. Make sure you have the files in the right folder and build sub-folders to handle all your data.

Instructions

1. Start with the files you have in "My Documents." If you have files for your home budget, make a folder for "Home Budget." These files include bank statements, credit card statements, actual budget files and a check register. You should move any files that are to do with your home budget into the new folder.

2. Make sub-folders under the "Home budget" folder. You want to be able to find your bank statements easily, so make a folder titled "Bank statements" under the folder "Home budget." Create folders for each of your credit card statements and move all these files into each folder. Since these files are going to be similar in title, make sure you attach a date to each of the files. For example, you should name your bank statements "Bank statement for 1-31-08" and "Bank statement for 2-28-08." This way you can locate the file you are looking for easily.

3. Decide what other folders to create. If this computer is for personal use, as well as business use you may want to start with a folder labeled "Personal" and a folder labeled "Business." Move the "Home budget" folder under "Personal" and the sub-folders will move with them.

4. Create sub-folders for your "Business" folder. If you work at home, you can label each with the name of a company you do work for. Then create sub-folders for each of the companies. For example, if you have documentation to fill out and return to the company you can put all the documents in one folder. If you have examples of the work you are doing make a sub-folder called "Examples." If you are writing articles, keep all your articles in a sub-folder so you can find them easily if you need them again. No matter whether you have a few or many files, you want to create a sub-folder so you can add to them as your work becomes more intense.

5. Continue to add to the folders as you work on your computer. The only way to organize an electronic filing system is to keep using it every day. As you get new files or create new files, be sure to put them in the appropriate folder. Create new folders or sub-folders as needed and file everything immediately so you don't get behind. Using this system, you will be able to find your files without any problem at all.