Filing 101

BRANCH LIST

Filing Systems 101

1Who Will Use this

2what am i filing

3how am I filing

4where am i filing

5extra tips

Tips for creating and maintaining an organized filing system

Determine who will be using the filing system and which documents they will be needing access to quickly.

Once you determine your categories and sub categories, decide how the files will be organized. Alphabetical, Numerical, Geographical, Chronological, or perhaps a combination.

Determine where your files will be stored. Consider the flow of your office or work area. Store files needed often close by, while others can be further and less easily accessible.

• Consistency is KEY
• Declutter regularly
• Create a "home" for each document
• Systems can change and grow
• Determine how to handle confidential documents
• Practice proper labeling
• Purge files annually
• Consider going paperless

Decide which categories and subcategories are needed for the type of documents you are filing.