|
3 Simple Filing Guidelines
by: Maria Gracia
One of the most basic ways to find papers when you need them is to retrieve them from an effective filing system. A good filing system will allow you to find what you're looking for in 10 seconds or less.
Here are 3 simple filing guidelines that can help:
- CATEGORIZING.
A filing system is only effective, if you can find everything you need, when you need it--without a struggle. And all good filing systems have different categories of papers. Your papers are either going to fall into a MAIN category, or a SUB-category.
For example, a main category might be FINANCIAL. Some sub-categories within Financial, may be:
- Savings Account
- Checking Account
- Money Market Account
In your filing cabinet, your main categories should always be hanging file folders with a labeled tab. Your sub-categories should be labeled manila file folders inside the appropriate main category hanging folder.
- BASIC FILING SYSTEMS.
For the most part, people choose to use one, or a combination of, these basic filing systems:
- Alphabetical (A, B, C, D, etc.)
- Numerical (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)
- Chronological (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, etc.)
The one you use, depends on what you're using it for. For example, if you need to keep files for all of your customers (or associates, friends, etc.), alphabetical by last name usually will work best.
For sequential case numbers or projects that are numbered, a numerical system would probably work best.
If it is necessary for you to find things by date, then chronological may be your choice.
Some people get really creative and use a combination of these systems. For example, you may want your main categories to be chronological, but the sub-categories inside to be alphabetical.
- LABELING.
If a file isn't labeled properly, it's not going to be quick and easy to find:
- Always write your subject on the tab of the file folder, close to the top of the tab, so you can easily see it when you're looking through your files.
- Use a medium point, black marker to label your files. Print; don't use script.
- Use as few words as possible on the tab.
|
About The Author
Maria Gracia, owner of www.getorganizednow.com and author of the book, 'Finally Organized, Finally Free' can help you organize your home, your office and your life. Visit her Web site at: http://www.getorganizednow.com.
Get Organized Now! FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site!
getorgnow@wi.rr.com
|
This article was posted on August 22, 2002
|
This article is the property of and published with the permission of Maria Gracia. For more information regarding the author or to contact the author visit her website at http://www.getorganizednow.com
For more information and articles on working out of your home see Home Office Articles From Resources For Attorneys or for other lifestyle resources and articles see Lifestyle Resources From Resources For Attorneys
The opinions, statements and information contained and expressed in the foregoing article are solely those of the author. No position for or against, agreeing with or disagreeing with anything contained in said article is taken by Resources For Attorneys.com
or The Lifestyle Directory From Resources For Attorneys.com. We do not assume or accept any liability for the use of the information contained herein. This article is published solely as a service to attorneys, lawyers and the internet community. Anyone who does not accept this disclaimer is not authorised to read or use this article in any way.
about resources for attorneys resources for attorneys home submit an article
report bad links contact us
Page Set Up ©Copyright 2004 Resources For Attorneys.com. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
|
