How to Sort Paper Documents Alphabetically

Use a filing system to sort your paper documents alphabetically.

Paper documents can accumulate quickly. Whether you save receipts, bills, proofs of purchase, invoices or other types of documents, you can soon find yourself drowning in paper. Sorting documents is a good way to start the organization process. You can sort your documents according to the type of document, month you received the document or alphabetically. When sorting your paper documents alphabetically, it is good to have a folder designated for each letter of the alphabet. Proper alphabetical sorting makes locating your documents easier.

Things You'll Need

• Folders
• Labels

Instructions

1. Prepare your file folders with each folder to include a label indicating a letter of the alphabet. Make sure you have an individual folder for each letter of the alphabet.

2. Sort through your paper documents and place each document in a file folder, according to the alphabet that you would like to have the document filed under.

3. Continue sorting the paper documents until each document is in a folder. Put the folders in alphabetical order and place each folder in a file cabinet, box or file drawer.

Tips & Warnings

• When you add paper documents, make sure you sort the documents alphabetically.

References

• Smead: Organizing Paper Files

Resources

• 123 Sort It: Paper Files