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.