Click on this link to access the Organizing Tips: Life’s Little Extras – March 2011 newsletter

PROBLEM: It’s really hard for me to file papers because
my filing cabinet is packed. There’s no room for me to
slip a piece of paper into the file and when I try to pull
a file out three others come out with it.

SOLUTION: The first step is to recognize that a packed
filing cabinet is a problem and often leads to people not
filing or accessing the information they need. The next
step is set aside some time to start sorting through your
files and moving along those papers you no longer need.
Here’s an immediate solution that you can use while you
are working on sorting through your filing cabinet. Get
a box or crate and when you use a file put it in the crate.
The crate then becomes the place for your everyday files.

HINT: Before a file goes into the box or create, do a sort
of the papers.

PROBLEM: When I sort I forget what my
categories are.

SOLUTION: Label the piles.

HINT: For an easy and cost effective label
write the label on a piece of scrap paper,
tear it out, then write the next label. If you
are worried about the labels moving, you
can use a post-it note.

PROBLEM: I hate paperwork but I know I have to do it.
I put it off and then I have these marathon paperwork
sessions.

SOLUTION: Set up a phone or e-mail check-in system
with your boss, colleague, or friend. Decide on your
paperwork goal and the frequency with which you will
check-in. The check-in should be brief (a few words
in the subject line of e-mail).

HINT: Choose someone who makes you feel a little
bit nervous. This nervousness might be the push you
need to keep up with the paperwork.

PROBLEM: I have lots of mementoes. I’m not
sure what to do with them.

SOLUTION: Collect the mementoes and sort them
into groups according to the event or person they
represent. Focus on one of the groups. Decide
which items you would like to keep and what
items you would like to move along. Decide on a
specific, strategic, or appropriate place for these
items. This space can be a box, a shelf, or a drawer.
Continue this process for the rest of the groups.

HINT: If some of the items are too big for the space
that you identified, you can take a picture or write a
few words about the item. You can move the item
along and keep the picture or words in the space.