How to Set Up a Personal Document Filing System

Nowadays, people tend to use an Internet filing system to store and organize personal documents. But what about those who prefer a brick and mortar, hands-on system? Setting up a filing system for your personal documents is easy. Follow a few simple steps, purchase some inexpensive supplies, and you too can keep your important papers in your own personal filing system.

Things You'll Need

• File box
• File folders
• File tabs
• Labels
• Label maker

Instructions

1. Purchase filing supplies from an office supply store such as Staples or Office Depot. You will need to buy a file box, or if you are looking for something a little more durable, you can purchase a metal file cabinet. You will need file folders with side hooks for connecting to the sides of your file box. Supply stores sell plastic folder tabs in which you can slide paper labels into, or you can purchase sticky labels.

2. Make a list of every document you own or use. Give each document a name. For example, your bank statements from Bank of America might be titled "Bank of America." Keep adding names to your list as you recall them. For the purpose of your list, your names do not have to be in any given order.

3. Using a label maker and plain white labels, type the name of each name listed onto a label. You should have one label typed for each name on your list.

4. Insert paper labels into the plastic tabs on the top of your file folders, or if you used sticky labels, place one in the top right corner of each folder. Paper labels inserted into the top of each folder make locating the file a bit easier, but either label system will do.

5. Put the file folders in alphabetical order. Once the ordering process is complete, place the folders into the file box or cabinet, keeping the proper order. As your documents come in, file them into the proper folder. As new documents become available, create new files.

6. Find a dry location to store your file box, making sure to keep it in an easy accessible place. On a shelf in the closet or under a bed are two convenient places.

Tips & Warnings

• As your file documents become obsolete and you no longer need them, remove the file folder and place it in a safe place. It is recommended that all important papers be kept for about 7 years. After the 7 years, it is okay to dispose of the old papers.

• Whenever you dispose of personal documents, it is highly advisable to use a shredder. With high levels of identity theft, it is not recommended that important papers be thrown in the trash.