Thanks. I think there are a lot of different systems for putting files away but I’m not aware of another system for removing files.

I'm so glad to hear that. Understanding how paper needs to circulate is the key. Best of luck!

Thanks Katie. Good catch! What are V8 ideas?

@@MattBaierOrganizing my term for good ideas tips etc that you learn as a better way than how you've been doing something that seems like was an obvious solution or option all along once you know about it. From the V8™ commercial tagline "I could've had a V8"

@@kellkatz Ah! I remember that ad well. Thanks for the kind words.

My pleasure!

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks so much.

First I will distinguish between Information (left tab) and records (right tab). Information would be things like policies, that you would replace when you get new policies or data that you want to keep off your computer, or any sort of handy reference. Records would be things like vital documents, medical records, repairs, or most legal files. Mostly, they help recall critical dates, when filling out forms and they offer proof of important events in the past. It’s worth distinguishing them, because it makes easy to know what you don’t have to worry about circulating. Remember, that, if you trust you can find all these pieces of information and records digitally, then there’s no need for the paper files. (I would still keep your birth certificate, etc:-) Statements, which go in the center tab, are isolated because they are what should be rotated out of your flle cabinet every year after April 15. These are bank statements, credit card statements, and all other statements that you are keeping as tax-supporting material. You might want to keep them handy during the current year to check on payments you've made, but after a year and after taxes have been settled, there's no good reason to keep them handy. If you are comfortable tossing them, then go ahead, but if you have any doubts at all, then at least store them more remotely and free up room in your handy file cabinet.

Excellent! I think you’ll find it helpful.

Yes, the ISBN number is 0-9651552-1-8. Hope this helps.

Sorry for the slow reply. Unfortunately that book seems to have gone out of print since I posted this video. I can however tell you the major categories: (your address), home, family, utilities, medical, transportation, banking, credit, finance, taxes. You may want to make "insurance" a category, but I find it's easier to break it up by the other categories.

Hi DJ, I am not exactly a Consumer Reports of organizing product, but I can tell you that I’ve never had a file-load that could defeat the 2 inch capacity Pendaflex hanging file. Have you had a bad experience with hanging files failing you? (Was it Pendaflex?)

Wow! so that’s what it’s up to these days. I’m afraid it’s out of print. You might try reaching out to the autho, Kit Anderson on LinkedIn. She might have some ideas.

Thank you

Not a stupid question at all. Thanks for asking. Information is for information that you would use in the future. Records are for things that have happened in the past that you might need to refer back to.

@@MattBaierOrganizing So records and information still sounds like the same thing. Maybe I am missing the point. I think I am a smart guy. 😂 Just missing the point on this one. Are records like ‘Where we bought our last ac unit from’ Information is more dealing with more pressing issue like ‘who is our insurance company’ sleepier files are records?

Information would be things like policies, that you would replace when you get new policies or data that you want to keep off your computer, or any sort of handy reference. Records would be things like vital documents, medical records, repairs, or most legal files. Mostly, they help recall critical dates, when filling out forms and they offer proof of important events in the past. It’s worth distinguishing them, because it makes easy to know what you don’t have to worry about circulating. Remember, that, if you trust you can find all these pieces of information and records digitally, then there’s no need for the paper files. (I would still keep your birth certificate, etc:-)

Sorry for the slow reply. Unfortunately that book seems to have gone out of print since I posted this video. I can however tell you the major categories: (your address), home, family, utilities, medical, transportation, banking, credit, finance, taxes. You may want to make "insurance" a category, but I find it's easier to break it up by the other categories.

No worries. Thank you for replying. Your videos on organizing paperwork have been very helpful. I have always known what to do. Lately it has been overwhelming when I closed my one business and brought my second business to work from home. Everything was just placed in my house with no rhyme or reason. Anyways thank you.@@MattBaierOrganizing

Try "Organizing Paper Action Files Made Easy." (I figured people wouldn't look up "Running Files".)