How to Organize Paperwork & Hanging Files

Locating and retrieving a document is a lot easier when paperwork is organized. Hanging file folders provide an effective way to keep loose items from growing into a confusing mess. Hanging folders have convenient tabs for labeling and are suspended on tracks in a file cabinet, making it easy to push individual files back and forth inside the drawer.

Things You'll Need

• Hanging file folders with labels
• Permanent marker
• Printable label sheets (optional)
• File boxes

Instructions

1. Create a list of all the individual file content titles needed. This can include: Paid Bills, Bank Statements, Tax Returns, Stocks, Owner’s Manuals, Warranties, Health Insurance, Home Insurance, Car Insurance, Student Loans, Pet Information, Subscriptions, and Receipts.

2. Make individual piles of paperwork for each file. Organize the piles into reverse chronological order, putting the most recent item on top and the oldest item in the back.

3. Use a permanent marker to write the content titles on the loose white labels that came with the folders. Optionally, file folder labels can be printed from a computer on printable label sheets. These adhesive labels can then be stuck on top of the white labels that came with the folders.

4. Slide the labels into the plastic tabs that are connected to the sides of the folders.

5. Set the hanging folders into the file drawer so that the hooks at the corners are hanging on the track and the file tab is sticking up. Organize the folders in a way that will work best for you. Options include organizing alphabetically or in order of importance or frequency of use.

6. Insert new paperwork as you receive it into the front of the file in order to easily maintain reverse chronological order.

7. Take time periodically to remove outdated paperwork from the back of the file folders and shred it if no longer needed. For paperwork that can be removed but still needs to be saved, start a system of file boxes that can be stored in a closet or other type of storage space. Label file boxes with the same titles as the files. When a box is started, label the front of the box with the date of the first item. Once the box is full, label the date of the last item and start a new box. The dates will help with future document retrieval.