The Easiest Method for Storing and Organizing Important Documents at Home

If it’s a digital world, why is there still so much paper piling up? Streamline your filing system with these expert-approved tips.

By Sierra Guardiola

Published on November 4, 2019

1119org-organize — Even the messiest, most overflowing filing cabinet of personal documents can be wrestled into submission—you just need some time, patience, and a solid paper storage strategy. Whether you’re fresh out of school and adulting for the first time, or live in a houseful of kids, each with their own set of important personal documents, you need a lifelong paper storage system that can help you sort everything from insurance claims to credit card statements. Here’s how to make finding and filing important documents as easy as possible at home. **RELATED:** How to Replace (and Store) Crucial Documents1. Arrange pilesStart by sorting your paperwork into categories (household, school, pets). Shred outdated or unneeded documents that contain personal information, like your name, address, and especially Social Security or credit card number. Less sensitive documents can just be recycled.2. Sort with easeCreate labels with big-picture categories listed first, followed by narrower descriptions (“Medical: Julie” or “Taxes: 2017”). Use manila folders with all right- or left-hand tabs—they’re faster to flip through than assorted-position tabs—and alphabetize.3. Size appropriatelyDetermine how much storage space you need. If you maintain most of your files digitally, for example, don’t use a large filing cabinet. It’s a waste of space, and you may be tempted to fill it with files you don’t need or items that don’t belong in a filing cabinet. Instead, opt for a desktop file box.4. Consider frequencyOut-of-the-way storage spots (think high shelves in less-used closets) are perfect places to archive files like tax returns and bank statements. Reserve easy-access locations for items you need more regularly, like school forms and recipes.5. Create a landing padSet up a daily drop zone in a high-traffic area, such as the kitchen, for incoming mail and paperwork. Designating a single spot will prevent piles from accumulating throughout the house. An inbox or wall-mounted basket will conserve space and make it obvious when items are overflowing and need to be dealt with. Filter out junk mail and filler paper before adding anything to the drop zone. Address the items that land here at least twice a week, then file or recycle them.6. Keep it neatDo a big sweep of your regularly accessed files every three to six months. Archive or shred documents that are no longer relevant. Tax returns and documents pertaining to household repairs should be kept for at least three years.Bonus: Going paperlessOrganizing documents digitally obviously poses fewer space challenges, and your computer’s search tool can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Follow the same guidelines for digital labels as for physical ones. Back up files onto an external hard drive, or use a cloud storage service, like Google Drive. The Evernote Scannable app (free; iOS) helps you quickly convert paper files into digital ones.Our Experts **Anna Bauer,** Thumbtack home organizer **Jamie Hord,** founder of Horderly professional organizing **Clea Shearer** and **Joanna Teplin,** founders of The Home Edit **Wendy Silberstein,** founder of The Aesthetic Organizer. Photo: Getty Images

Even the messiest, most overflowing filing cabinet of personal documents can be wrestled into submission—you just need some time, patience, and a solid paper storage strategy. Whether you're fresh out of school and adulting for the first time, or live in a houseful of kids, each with their own set of important personal documents, you need a lifelong paper storage system that can help you sort everything from insurance claims to credit card statements. Here's how to make finding and filing important documents as easy as possible at home.

1. Arrange piles

Start by sorting your paperwork into categories (household, school, pets). Shred outdated or unneeded documents that contain personal information, like your name, address, and especially Social Security or credit card number. Less sensitive documents can just be recycled.

2. Sort with ease

Create labels with big-picture categories listed first, followed by narrower descriptions ("Medical: Julie" or "Taxes: 2017"). Use manila folders with all right- or left-hand tabs—they're faster to flip through than assorted-position tabs—and alphabetize.

3. Size appropriately

Determine how much storage space you need. If you maintain most of your files digitally, for example, don't use a large filing cabinet. It's a waste of space, and you may be tempted to fill it with files you don't need or items that don't belong in a filing cabinet. Instead, opt for a desktop file box.

4. Consider frequency

Out-of-the-way storage spots (think high shelves in less-used closets) are perfect places to archive files like tax returns and bank statements. Reserve easy-access locations for items you need more regularly, like school forms and recipes.

5. Create a landing pad

Set up a daily drop zone in a high-traffic area, such as the kitchen, for incoming mail and paperwork. Designating a single spot will prevent piles from accumulating throughout the house. An inbox or wall-mounted basket will conserve space and make it obvious when items are overflowing and need to be dealt with. Filter out junk mail and filler paper before adding anything to the drop zone. Address the items that land here at least twice a week, then file or recycle them.

6. Keep it neat

Do a big sweep of your regularly accessed files every three to six months. Archive or shred documents that are no longer relevant. Tax returns and documents pertaining to household repairs should be kept for at least three years.

Bonus: Going paperless

Organizing documents digitally obviously poses fewer space challenges, and your computer's search tool can help you find exactly what you're looking for. Follow the same guidelines for digital labels as for physical ones. Back up files onto an external hard drive, or use a cloud storage service, like Google Drive. The Evernote Scannable app (free; iOS) helps you quickly convert paper files into digital ones.