Think Like a Blonde

The blonde I have in mind is Goldilocks.  She understood the true meaning of fit - not too big, not too small - just right.  This is a great principle to keep in mind when organizing your paper files ( and lots of other things too!).  Are your categories too big or too small or just right for you?

A folder labeled "BILLS 2010" is just too big and broad to find anything easily.  Likewise, a folder labeled "COMCAST - MAY 2011" is way too small and limits you to only one piece of paper.

So think like Goldilocks and ask yourself what would be just right.  A folder labeled "BILLS - MY 2011", or one labeled "COMCAST 2011", "UTILITIES JUNE 2011" or even "UTILITIES 2011" are all possibilities.  How often do you need to access past bills?  Where would you automatically go to look for the information you are seeking? 

Filing is all about making retrieving easy.   Sorting paper into just the right level of detail for yourself can make the whole process much less of a bear!