Uncluttered Professional Organizing Blog

Linda’s Favorite Organizing Things: Hanging File Folders

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to finding products on the market to help you organize your space, but how do you know what you really need, or which products will make the most difference? As a professional organizer with two decades of experience, I’ve seen it all, and I’ve got a list of tried-and-true products that work. Each month I’ll share one of my favorite things to help you reach your organizing goals.

Don’t be fooled by how simple (or in many cases, how inexpensive) these items are. It’s not the price point that makes them effective, it’s the way they’re used.

Hanging File Folders

Don’t just clear the clutter off your desk, make sure you know exactly where to find your important papers. Hanging file folders do the trick and allow you to organize documents by colored categories.

Here are a few categories that work well for many of my clients:

Action Files – Yellow
These are items that require additional action on your part. Items that need to be scheduled, signed, sent, or addressed with a follow-up call.

Monthly Receipts – Green
Green is the color of money so this is the folder that holds monthly bills, paid bills, or invoices for money spent

Yearly Files/Archive Files – Orange
Insurance papers, medical documents, and subscription information could all be categorized as yearly files or expenses.

Permanent Records Files – Red
These files aren’t likely to be needed on a regular basis but will be accessed over the lifetime of the person, place, or thing they relate to.

Tax Files – Blue
Keep everything you need for your taxes in one place. The yearly documents and receipts in this folder go straight to your CPA at the end of the year.

Resources Files – Purple
These files contain information you refer to regularly.

A color-coded system of hanging folders is especially helpful if you are a visual learner because your brain connects faster with what you’re looking for.

If you’re still unsure about the most efficient way to use hanging file folders in your home or office, it might be time to schedule a consultation with me. Send me an email linda@unclutterednw.com and let’s chat.

 

A color coded hanging file system works better for visual learners - your brain connects faster Share on X

 

Linda Deppa

Linda Deppa has seen more clutter than you could make in your lifetime - and found a place for all of it.

As a Certified Professional Organizer, Linda has helped hundreds of clients experience the joy that comes from reclaiming their space, and the relief of bringing their shoulders down from their ears when they realize they no longer feel stressed walking into a cluttered home or office.

Linda’s success in working with clients goes beyond her ability to organize their possessions. Her own life experiences, including a life-altering car accident, gives her a deep desire to help each of her client’s live life to the fullest. What starts as an organizing project with Linda often leads to mindset shifts that impact other areas of their lives.

Linda is a member of the National Associate of Productivity and Organizing Professionals and current President, past Vice President, Treasurer and Membership Director of the Seattle-based NAPO chapter.

A skilled presenter and motivational speaker, consider hiring Linda to speak at your next conference or event. Contact Linda via email: linda@unclutterednw.com

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