
Day 12 of Countdown to Oliver: (Re)organize Files and Paperwork
Today’s topic, reorganizing files and paperwork, not so interesting but definitely helpful if you need to get organized. We did have a fun, eventful Father’s Day weekend. So, I’ll talk about both in this post.
For organizing files and paperwork, I have a great Pinterest find from Simply Fabulous Living. I’ve had a system in place that’s similar, but her breakdown is more specific and I also implemented the color system she uses.
Basically, you get a bunch of files and a file holder box (I won the file-holder we use from thirty one gifts; it’s called a Fold N’ File). Then, you label a folder for each item you can think of and color code it based on its overall category (example below).
I would also suggest keeping your files in a lock box or safe (fireproof if possible), so no one else can get ahold of them or if there were a fire, they could survive. It might also be wise to give the lock combination to a close family member or friend in case anything were to happen.
This is how we categorized our files:
Important Documents [red]
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Driver license/passport copies
- Education records
- Social Security cards
- Voter registration
- Will
- Vehicle title
Money [green]
- Income tax info
- Stocks info
- Retirement info
- Children college fund info
- Credit card info
- College loan info
- Other loan info
- Insurance info–renter’s, car, home, medical, life, etc.
- General bills info and receipts–electric, water, gas
- Bank account info
- Donation/personal business deductions
Household [yellow]
- Home and vehicle receipts, info (tires, maintenance, etc.)
- Project receipts/budget
- Furniture/electronics’ manuals, receipts and warranties
- (If renting) Copy of lease, payment receipts, before/after pictures of rented home/apartment, any other paperwork
(trust me, doing this has saved me from a landlord trying to wrongfully and dishonestly screw me over once–completely worth it, do it!) - (If own/making payments on your home) Copy of deed, real estate info, agreement paperwork/receipts when purchased, etc.
Health/Wellness [blue]
- Immunization records
- Medical and health insurance info
- Child one’s medical records
- Child two’s medical records
- Dental records/receipts
- Chiropractic records/receipts
- Veterinarian records/receipts
Other [purple]
- Volunteer info
- Organization info/memberships
- Certificates, certifications, awards
And Father’s Day weekend consisted of…
- Father’s Day Eve dinner
- Swimming
- Breakfast in bed
- Chipotle
- Homemade Father’s Day dinner: honey-sriracha ribs, fries, asparagus and chocolate-cookie dough balls
- A gorgeous picture of our children
- Pecan, whiskey ice cream
- And Rails and Ales Festival tickets
The Countdown List:
1. Create the segment “Countdown to Oliver” and make list
2. Make a hospital bag
3. Create a baby registry
4. Prepare the baby’s space
5. Set-up pediatrician visit/appointments
6. Install the car seat
7. Have a pampering day
8. Prepare birthing plan
9. Wash shower curtains, rugs and sheets
10. *Reader’s idea* Virtual gift-opening
11. Finish an art project
12. Finish a book
13. Create an exercise regimen for the final 4 weeks
14. Take a sewing class and make something for the newest babe
15. Have a special mom and daughter day with Ella
16. (Re)organize files and paperwork
17. Finalize plans with the OB
18. Prepare for visiting family
19. Cleaning day
20. *Reader’s idea* Clothe diapering
21. Meal prep (frozen meals)
22. Write a letter to the new baby
23. Design birth announcements
24. Date night
25. Invest in post baby clothes
26. Clean pumping and feeding items
27. Take a class
28. Clean the carpets and floors
29. Stock up on toiletries, diapers and groceries
30. *Reader’s idea* Put feet up and rest
I like how you color-coded your files. Great tip!
Thanks! Got the idea from the blog I mentioned in the post. Super helpful too!
http://simplyfabulousliving.com/creating-simplified-organized-personal-reference-files/