How To

How to Organize Papers with the FAST Method

By Julie Mayfield, eHow Member Rating
Get control of your paperwork!
Get control of your paperwork!
Rate: (10 Ratings)

Are you desperate to organize the papers overtaking your desk? Read on to learn how to organize using the FAST method.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • File folders & labels
  • Trash can
  • Shredder
  1. Step 1

    Gather all of your papers in one place. As you begin going through your papers you are going to do one of four things with each of them:


    F - File
    A - Act
    S - Shred
    T - Toss

  2. Step 2
    Some papers simply need to be filed away.
    Some papers simply need to be filed away.

    Start a pile for papers that need to be filed. Once the sorting is completed, file this pile of papers away. Create new files if necessary.

  3. Step 3
    Some paperwork will need your attention - put it in an 'Act' file.
    Some paperwork will need your attention - put it in an 'Act' file.

    Start a pile for papers that need some kind of action. These might be bills, insurance claims, registrations, etc. Anything that needs further action from you goes into one file labeled 'Act'.

  4. Step 4
    Shred paperwork with personal or financial information.
    Shred paperwork with personal or financial information.

    Any papers that need to be thrown away but have personal or financial info on them should go into the shredder.

  5. Step 5
    Toss the paper clutter!
    Toss the paper clutter!

    Outdated reading material - newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, etc. - and papers without sensitive information on them can be tossed.

  6. Step 6

    By now you should have a clean, uncluttered desk or office and you can begin to address those things that need your attention. They're all organized neatly in the 'Act' file. Enjoy your newfound productivity!

Comments  

| View All 6 Comments
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on 12/18/2008 Really good tips, if I could just make myself do it!

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on 7/22/2008 This is great! 5*

oneloved said

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on 7/22/2008 Great tips!

LilacGirl said

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on 7/22/2008 Good ideas, and recycling your old magazines and newspapers is good too.

Hapworth said

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on 7/22/2008 Love the acronym!

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