Things You'll Need:
- Filing cabinet
- Hanging file folders
- Manila folders
- Hanging file folder labels
- Papers to file
- Marker or ballpoint pen
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Step 1
Select the pile of papers you want to organize. Once you've done this, sort the piles into smaller piles. Each one should have a category. If you have a pile of bills, you could sort them into "monthly bills" and "ongoing bills," or "greeting cards," "sympathy cards."
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Step 2
After you've sorted, set up your filing cabinet, open the first drawer and hang some hanging file folders. Each hanging folder should have a label for a group. Use permanent marker or ballpoint pen so you can see the labels clearly and they won't fade. For example, if you have individual piles for "monthly bills" and "ongoing bills," your hanging folder should be labeled "bills."
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Step 3
After you've labeled the hanging folders, put manila folders inside the hanging folders with each manila folder holding papers from one of the small piles. Be sure to label the manila folders as well.
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Step 4
When finished, you should have large hanging folders with labels such as "bills", "cards", or "invoices." The smaller folders should be sub-labels of the larger groups, such as, "monthly bills" and "holiday cards."
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Step 5
Your file system will vary depending on your individual needs. Be sure to go through the files occasionally to make sure you haven't just moved your important information out of eye sight when it needs to be dealt with.
