How to Organize Files

Intermediate 10 min 23 steps 13092 views Rating: 3.6/5 Published: 2026-02-18

Sort and log your files.. Devise master categories to fit the subjects in your log.. Code your colors.

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Steps

1

Sort and log your files.

Step 1

Sort and log your files.

2

Devise master categories to fit the subjects in your log.

Step 2

Devise master categories to fit the subjects in your log.

3

Code your colors.

Step 3

Code your colors.

4

Declutter your files.

Step 4

Declutter your files.

5

Choose the right container.

Step 5

Choose the right container.

6

Know your time limits.

Step 6

Know your time limits.

7

Shred old bank records.

Step 7

Shred old bank records.

8

Cleanse your files of old credit card bills.

Step 8

Cleanse your files of old credit card bills.

9

Hang onto your insurance policies.

Step 9

Hang onto your insurance policies.

10

Thin out your tax related documents annually.

Step 10

Thin out your tax related documents annually.

11

Retain your state or federal tax returns long term.

Step 11

Retain your state or federal tax returns long term.

12

Store birth and death certificates, wills, and marriage licenses.

Step 12

Store birth and death certificates, wills, and marriage licenses.

13

Keep your life insurance policy information.

Step 13

Keep your life insurance policy information.

14

Gather or purchase your materials.

Step 14

Gather or purchase your materials.

15

Label where necessary.

Step 15

Label where necessary.

16

Devise a system of alphabetization, if desired.

Step 16

Devise a system of alphabetization, if desired.

17

Color code your files.

Step 17

Color code your files.

18

Remove active files.

Step 18

Remove active files.

19

Insert your files.

Step 19

Insert your files.

20

Replace wear and tear in your files.

Step 20

Replace wear and tear in your files.

21

Revisit your log and system.

Step 21

Revisit your log and system.

22

Sub-divide full files with folders.

Step 22

Sub-divide full files with folders.

23

Add tabs to the mix, when applicable.

Step 23

Add tabs to the mix, when applicable.

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