How to File by Company Name Chronologically

File folders

While it's a fairly simple task to file any group of company names in alphabetical order, it becomes a little more complicated when you need the files to be in chronological order and alphabetized. Putting physical files in chronological order and alphabetizing them takes a few more steps. If you are working with a large number of files, you will want to use a large conference table and create stacks of files. Work with one stack at a time.

Instructions

1. 

   Individual stacked files

   Separate the files by the year each file was originally created. To find the earliest date, you will have to check inside the file and check the paperwork for dates.

2. 

   Separated by month

   Working with one year at a time, separate the files by month. Place files from each month in a separate stack.

3. 

   Separating by day

   Work within each stack of files that have been separated by month to further separate them by the day of that month.

4. 

   Alphabeting within the day

   Divide alphabetically each stack of files already divided by day. For example, ADC Company whose original date is August 15,1998, will come after ABC Company on August 15, 1998.

5. 

   File drawer

   Place the completed stacks on a large conference table, beginning with the oldest year first. Put the stacks of files in their appropriate storage box or file cabinet, being careful to keep them in order.

Tips & Warnings

• If the older files are being archived, separating those years first will make the task seem smaller.

• If you are using storage boxes, be sure to place the appropriate label on each box.

References

• Education and Training Unit: Filing