Last month we covered How To Manage and File paperwork. I showed the short term filing system I use and now, after a quick trip to Target, I've improved my system:
Update on Organizing Paperwork
Because I've been moving around and sometime work from different locations, I realized that if I had something I could transport, I would be more likely to use it. I also wanted someplace to file my receipts (I work freelance so I need to keep better track of my expenses in order to write them off at the end of the year). So when I saw these portable expanding 'green room eco' files at Target in some really fun patterns I was inspired. I bought the green version, but they come in 2 other styles. Plus if I'm really honest, I never really liked the brown of my old brown file container. I love this green, it makes me feel happy when I see it, so I want to keep it updated and organized. A superficial reason, but a reason nonetheless.
I got home and started labeling. I started with receipts files and was able to get rid of a couple different piles that looked like this (including the 'pile' that had been building in my purse and wallet):
They only had one green one left, but otherwise I would have bought at least one more for organizing all the pages I rip out of magazines. Here are the other colors they had:
They retail for $11.89 each and have 6 files with stickers for labeling.
I use the short term file for bills to pay, receipts, and current projects. This way I can file instead of pile, no matter where I am.
Comments (9)
Daily Email
Top Tours
- Moses and Jamie's Whimsical Modern
- Bryan's Fashionable Statement
- Eric and Christine's Spacious Pad
- Alysia's Treehouse by the Lake
- A Mid-Century Modern Musicians' Loft
Top Posts
Today in Marketplace
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Why can't we have a Target in Toronto :o( I love cool things like this. Currently, my favorite store is Essence Du Papier.
http://www.pierrebelvedere.com/en/index_essence-du-papier.cfm?flip=1
view mva1201's profile
this would be perfect for our incoming mail/bills to pay pile. love the green! however, what does everyone think of "closed" organizational items vs. open? forgive me if this sounds incredibly lazy, but i tend to see "closed" as "done", and i guess psychologically, i'm worried that i would forget some bills in the bottom of the file folder.
maybe i'm thinking too hard and just need to get to Target.
view selena's profile
I feel the same way about closed storage. If it's not in sight, then I'm done with it. I just get a bunch of clear folders from staples and put everything in those, then line them up in a magazine rack with the open side facing me. It really helps me not forget them when the files clear.
view AnnadyL's profile
I bought one with the large blue/green circles. It's really cute and looks nice and inconspicuous standing at the edge of my desk.
I also bought another portable expanding file (a cheaper one) at Target for my sewing projects. It's a good place to keep patterns and fabrics of "in progress" projects.
Selena, Target has a couple options for open file organizing. I got a three slot organizer (I think Laure wrote about it here before) that I keep at my desk for things that I need to keep, but aren't yet ready to be filed away. That way when I have time to pay bills or take care of paperwork, I know where everything is and don't need to worry about forgetting anything.
view sparkle's profile
C.U.T.E.
view animalhouze's profile
Good to know that someone else has been cured of the same kind of receipt piles my husband scatters all around :D
view Lilli K.'s profile
As a bit of a computer geek i generally scan and sort them into folders (bills that need to be dealt with get a corrosponding entry in my gcal\ical account) though i am thinking about moving to something like yojimbo and then moving to tags for a more through classifying system
view Tacticus's profile
When organizing mail/bills I like to keep my items in a smaller organizer, so I am forced to deal with them. I found this product called a Meadowsweet File Tote that worked out great! I absolutely love the style and it is available in other prints. I payed under $20.00 for it also. Go to Meadowsweet File Tote!, it's worth the time.
view rejuvinated's profile
Nice article, but there is another way to buy file folders, pressboard folders and expanding filing pockets and that is direct from the manufacture. At AmericanFolder.Com we are now selling our manufactured filing supplies direct thus cutting out the big box retailers markup. So yes I agree that buying some office supplies from a large chain store is smart, but the real savings is when you find a manufacture that is selling direct. I invite you to go too our companies web site and see for yourself.
AmericanFolder.Com
custservice@americanfolder.com
view American Folder Company's profile