File that Pile!
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-936 -- More Projects »
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Bills attached to a cork board on their due date helps jog the memory so they get paid on time.
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Organizing specialist Tom Nevermann shares some neat ways to organize paperwork to make bill paying easier and efficient.
- Collect boxes and baskets from around the house to store items. Make four labels: To Pay, To Read, To File, To Shred. Sort loose papers into the appropriate container. Don’t forget to have a trash can handy.
- To keep bills organized in the To Pay box, try this method: Open the bill, clip the pay envelope to the bill and arrange by due date. Consistency is important, so handle bills the same way every time. Buy a large accordion file with 31 compartments. Slip the bill in the number corresponding with its due date. Don't forget to stay ahead (pay before the due date) to make sure your payment arrives on time.
- If your problem is "out of sight, out of mind," try this technique: Section off a cork board into squares for each day of the month and simply tack the bill on to the correct square (as in top photo).
- To handle permanent papers such as passports, banking information and insurance policies, you might want to invest in a fireproof box. They are typically available at most home stores. Don't keep a videotape or family pictures in this type of box because they burn at a lower temperature. You could keep those items (as well as the other permanent papers, in a safety deposit box off premises. Be sure to let your heirs or attorney know of its existence.
- Long-term papers (such as tax forms and receipts) should be stored in a plastic box, but not in prime office space. You might want to label the boxes with colored dots (blue dots = tax papers) and store in the attic or garage.
Short-term papers like monthly bills should be kept for about one year. Two-hole punch them and keep them in a binder (see photo at right) so nothing spills out if you drop the binder. This also keeps them organized by date.To avoid identity theft, shred credit card applications, ATM receipts and credit card statements (except when they list tax items).
Guests Tom Nevermann
Professional Organizer, aka the "Moving Doctor"
9633 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 603
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
E-mail:
tom@movingdoctor.com
Website:
www.movingdoctor.com
Also in this Episode
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![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2004/02/12/ssl936_2b2_e.jpg",350,450))
