Using Categories to Organize Your Filing System

Do you have a drawer full of files but can't find the one you want?

Do you have your files alphabetized but you can't remember what you named a particular file?

Have you ever made a new file and then realized you had one already (but just didn't remember)?

Solution: Sort your files into categories.

When we group like-files together, they are easier to find and use.

Categories can vary from person to person, depending on how we each think.

There are no right or wrong categories.  What really matters is that your categories make sense to you and you know where to look for a particular file.   For example, the way I file insurance information is different from how one of my client thinks to look for her insurance files.  She has a separate "Insurance" category, but I think of my renter's insurance as part of "Home," my health insurance as part of "Medical," and my car insurance as part of "Automobiles."

Here are some suggestions to get you thinking.  Which of these feel like they belong together and can be folded into one broad category?  Aim for only 3-6 broad categories.

• Home
• Automobiles
• Medical
• Financial
• Taxes
• Insurance
• Retirement
• Personal Interests
• Family Members
• Work

Remember, one filing system does NOT fit all.  What really matters is that you know how you think and set up your system accordingly.

To see how colors and labels can make your filing system even more user-friendly, watch my vlog.