How to Organize a Paper Friendly Office
Nobody knows what happened to the so-called "paperless offices" predicted for
the computer age. From the looks of things, those offices aren't here yet. So
while we're waiting, handling a piece of paper correctly today is the key to
finding it tomorrow.
File It So You Can Find It
There are few things more frustrating than not being able to put your hands on
a document you need. Now, imagine finding any document in seconds. It's not
magic; it's a workable filing system!
Create a file category. Within each file category, label folders according to
their contents. Then, you can file the categories and individual file folders
alphabetically or chronologically, depending on what works for you.
Tips For Staying Afloat in a Flood of Paper
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Adopt the "Handle It Once" document rule. Read and act on it, file it or pitch
it.
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Don't print every email or article you read on your computer.
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Color code your system. Labels save time when filing and retrieving documents.
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Sort documents by accessibility. Put more frequently accessed information
within arms reach.
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Schedule a few moments at either the beginning or the end of your day to file
documents away.
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If you haven't touched a file in six months consider thinning it out, archiving
it or throwing it out altogether.
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Make a habit of disposing of any paper you no longer need.
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