Tickle Your Files

I will admit right up front that the most out-of-control area in my house is my office. Paper just seems to multiply itself overnight on my desk. I have tried and am still trying to get this under control -- and I'm open to all suggestions. I've read about many methods and tried most of them. Here is one of the best things I've instituted into my daily routine. It's called the tickler file.

This will take about an hour to set up, but the time spent is well worth it. First, label 31 manila folders with the numbers 1 through 31, for each day of the month. Then label 12 folders with January through December. Put each of these folders (days and months) in it's own hanging folder -- important -- if you don't, the system won't work properly.

Now, when you have a piece of paper or a reminder that can't be taken care of now, drop it in the folder for the month when you need to see it and deal with it. At the beginning of each month, sort that month's paper into the daily folders. Each day, check the daily folder for that day and take care of what's in it. For example, I drop birthday cards to be mailed on certain dates, reminders, appointment cards (after I've written it on my calendar, as a backup reminder), a bill to pay, and anything else I need to get off my desk that can be handled at a later date. Right now, in my December folder, is the perfect birthday card I found for my mother-in-law. As you check each daily folder, move it to the back of the folders so the next day's folder is in the front. Keep the monthly folders behind the daily folders. I put a bright divider behind the daily section of files so it's easy to see where to move the daily folder to.

One of the biggest keys is to train yourself to check the front folder every day. If you can do that, it WILL work. If you have other ideas on how to keep your desk cleared, I'd love to hear them!