How to Organize Bills & Paperwork
Bills and paperwork pile up faster than the time we have to process them. The daily mail, children's school papers, printed emails and articles add up quickly. Setting up a system to handle this paperwork, from its entrance into your home to the filing folders, will put an end to growing piles of paper. Take the time needed to organize your bills and paperwork to create a stress-free environment. Bills will no longer be paid late and appointments will not be missed when you have an organized paperwork system.
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Instructions
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Dedicate a space for all incoming bills and paperwork. Choose a wicker basket or a set of three stacking letter trays. Label each stacking tray with the following labels: in box, to read and outgoing. Get into the habit of placing all new paperwork in the basket until you have a chance to sort it.
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Set up a paper holding station in the kitchen or near the mudroom entrance. Use a magazine wall hanger to sort the mail and papers. Create a slot for each member of the house. Sort through the mail and distribute it to each family member's slot. Keep a calendar next to the magazine wall hanger, and immediately mark events on the calendar as the invitations come in. Tape or pin the invitations on the calendar.
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Schedule one or two days a month to pay all the bills. Sort the bills and paperwork that have accumulated. Recycle all the papers that are junk mail. Keep a recycling container close to where you sort your papers. Place the items that need immediate attention into an action pile. File the papers that need filing.
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Set up a filing system to keep track of the paperwork. Create a file for each subject or category of papers that you save. Label the files as utilities, medical, house papers, insurance, automobile and so on. File the folders alphabetically. Organize the papers in the file with the most recent piece of paper placed in the back. Check and clear old papers in each file once a year.
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Create a dead file box. Place old papers that need to be saved but are seldom used in this box. Include tax returns, receipts relating to tax deductions and family papers. Store the dead file box in a dry area. Use a fireproof box or safety deposit box to store birth certificates, a marriage license, a will, stock certificates and other hard to replace papers.
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Tips & Warnings
Use an electronic device to store your shopping list.
Set up an online calendar with a reminder system.
Use envelopes to sort and file coupons or small pieces of paper.
Sign up for online bill payment to eliminate paper mail.
Cancel subscriptions for papers or magazines that you do not read.
Use a shredder to dispose of paperwork that has sensitive information and account numbers.
References
Resources
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