How to Create a Paper Filing System

You know when you need a system.

When it comes to running your business--whether out of your home office or at the office location of your small business--one of your best assets is organization. To make any good company work, you need a paper filing system. Although the idea of a nice set of neatly filed papers seems simple, you may need to put a lot of consideration into your filing system.

Things You'll Need

• Hanging file folders
• Pen or marker
• File cabinet (two drawers or four)

Instructions

1. Consider the best method for what you're trying to file. Some file cabinets work by being sorted by alphabetical order; others work by month. However, you may need to sort by subject, biller, client, invoice or project. If most of your paper documents are on a time-sensitive manner, you may want to file them by deadline.

2. Sort your papers by the method you choose to use. Make individual piles of papers based on your sorting method. This may take some time, and if you have several items to go through you may want the help of a friend or employee.

3. Create tabs and label your hanging file folders. Make sure your lettering is clear and legible. If you must, type your tab labels. Stagger the tabs when adding them to the folders in order to make it easier to file different folders.

4. Store your papers in a location protected from extreme temperatures and fluctuations in humidity. Your file cabinet should also be in a location that's easy to get to for quick and frequent access.

Tips & Warnings

• Use different-colored hanging files to help further sort your paperwork if more than one folder of the same subject or type is needed. For example, you may have a file for invoices, but you also may need an invoice file for overdue accounts.

• Plan your system fully before you begin. You don't want to have to reorganize your files a month later because you failed to plan the first time.

Resources

• 5 Little Sayings To Help You Get Organized