How to handle paper documents

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Even in this digital age, paper documents — account statements, bills, receipts, tax forms and the like — are still with us. Having an efficient system to file and otherwise organize these documents can save frustration and time. Here are some tips:

Prioritize. Think about the pieces of paper you most often need and build your filing system around those items, recommends professional organizer Julie Morgenstern.

Divide. Separate “action” items that require a response and need to be handy from “reference” items, the website Home Organizing Ideas recommends.

File. Sort papers into plain manila folders, Morgenstern says. Then choose three to five broad categories, such as financial or research to put them in.

Don’t delay. File documents immediately or at least daily to save time in the future.

Take snail mail seriously. Set aside a specific time to deal with it instead of flipping through it idly.

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Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012

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Getting organized

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Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012

Getting organized

How to handle paper documents

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