Permanent Paper Homes

Now that you've got your temporary paper homes setup, let's talk more about what to do after we've processed all the paper.  

There are multiple factors to keep in mind but you're organizing style is a major factor!  If you're a macro organizer, file cabinets may not be your best option. Consider having categorized containers without lids to drop paper into once processed.  Everything will be in chronological order so you simply sift thru and find what you're looking for. If you're a micro organizer then a file cabinet or file box with categorized file folders is probably a successful option for your paper organizing.  

When we're talking about organizing styles we can't forget to include being visual or non visual.  The above 'container' concepts should be portable into your visual preference as well.  I've seen both clear and solid options when shopping. Just message me if you want more specific options to consider when setting up your permanent paper homes. 

After figuring out what 'style' of system works for your team,  next is to really determine what you need to keep. With most information available online,  this is a great opportunity to move toward a more electronic system and really declutter actual paper products.  With that being said,  if you're anything like me,  having an actual piece of paper in hand calms my crazy in a few  categories. 

At Hopeful Headquarters we use categories that include: paid bills, school, health/medical, taxes, and big ticket purchases. Let's break down our actual systems. 

1. One file box that contains a 12 month, self-cleansing system, setup by month, for paid bills.  When a month rolls around the following year, the papers inside the file folder get removed & shredded thus creating a new home for the current year items. Inside this box we also have copies of more permanent information files. Like past rentals, subscriptions, contracts or agreements, long-term health notes, etc...I declutter these additional files yearly to shred anything three years or older, after scanning into an electronic option.  

2. One file box setup for education & school. We've included a file for each of the following: Special Education, Pre-K & one for each year K thru 12. This systems organizes important, school & education items like report cards, test results or specific letters from teachers and staff.  (Art work has an entirely different box- setup similarly, to capture those younger years of creativity) 

3. As many of you know,  we keep most 'need handy items' inside our Home Management Binder.  This includes information for health, family medical, current year school, checklists, etc....details can be found in our store here. These can also be completed electronically and saved as a PDF. 

4. Lastly, we have three poly folders in a container.  One contains 7 years of tax returns.  Again,  this is self cleansing when a new year comes in an old one gets shredded.  (If you're unsure how many years to keep, check with your local government or trusted accountant for more information). One contains big ticket purchases that will stay when selling the house. (Appliances, home repairs, etc....a realtor is a great source for more information.) This poly folder actually stays in the house or is passed to the next home owner at closing time.  The last poly folder contains our big ticket items that move with us.  (Furniture, large electronics, appliances, etc...I staple the purchase receipt to the user manuals).

Let's recap:

• What's your style?

• What categories will serve you?

• Are systems setup to self-cleanse? Or are you scheduled on a certain day throughout the year to declutter?

• Can paper items can be swapped into an electronic organization option?  

Stay Hopeful & be sure to use #hopefulsimplicity when sharing your Hopeful journey wins!