HOME PAGE WHY USE THE CLUTTER WIZARD? OVERVIEW BEDROOMS CLOSETS KIDS' ROOMS BATHROOMS KITCHENS GARAGES & ATTICS STORAGE OFFICE & WORK SPACES HOUSEHOLD FILING SYSTEM KEEPING EMERGENCY FILES PAPERWORK TIPS DEVELOPING GOOD HABITS TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS DONATING YOUR CLUTTER LINKS TO RELATED SITES WHAT CLIENTS SAY HOME PAGE WHY USE THE CLUTTER WIZARD? OVERVIEW BEDROOMS CLOSETS KIDS' ROOMS BATHROOMS KITCHENS GARAGES & ATTICS STORAGE OFFICE & WORK SPACES HOUSEHOLD FILING SYSTEM KEEPING EMERGENCY FILES PAPERWORK TIPS DEVELOPING GOOD HABITS TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS DONATING YOUR CLUTTER LINKS TO RELATED SITES WHAT CLIENTS SAY HOME PAGE WHY USE THE CLUTTER WIZARD? OVERVIEW BEDROOMS CLOSETS KIDS' ROOMS BATHROOMS KITCHENS GARAGES & ATTICS STORAGE OFFICE & WORK SPACES HOUSEHOLD FILING SYSTEM KEEPING EMERGENCY FILES PAPERWORK TIPS DEVELOPING GOOD HABITS TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS DONATING YOUR CLUTTER LINKS TO RELATED SITES WHAT CLIENTS SAY HOME PAGE WHY USE THE CLUTTER WIZARD? OVERVIEW BEDROOMS CLOSETS KIDS' ROOMS BATHROOMS KITCHENS GARAGES & ATTICS STORAGE OFFICE & WORK SPACES HOUSEHOLD FILING SYSTEM KEEPING EMERGENCY FILES PAPERWORK TIPS DEVELOPING GOOD HABITS TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS DONATING YOUR CLUTTER LINKS TO RELATED SITES WHAT CLIENTS SAY HOME PAGE WHY USE THE CLUTTER WIZARD? OVERVIEW BEDROOMS CLOSETS KIDS' ROOMS BATHROOMS KITCHENS GARAGES & ATTICS STORAGE OFFICE & WORK SPACES HOUSEHOLD FILING SYSTEM KEEPING EMERGENCY FILES PAPERWORK TIPS DEVELOPING GOOD HABITS TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS DONATING YOUR CLUTTER LINKS TO RELATED SITES WHAT CLIENTS SAY

HOME & OFFICE FILING SYSTEMS * * * * * * * * * * KEEP SET OF EMERGENCY FILES TOO * * * * * * * * * Filing systems come in all sizes, shapes and even colors. Some people prefer a system that is strictly alphabetical using individual file folders. Others like a categorized system that utilizes an outer "shell" for major categories along with individual folders for subcategories. While still others prefer to color-code their system to divide different areas of their lives. BOB FARKAS, THE CLUTTER WIZARD will create a filing system that is easy for you to work with and fits your individual needs. The same general principles apply for a workplace's filing system as well. There are, of course, people that prefer everything digitized and while it is easy to find an online system for tax preparing, budgeting and more, the fact remains that many things will ultimately require having a paper backup and therefore you will need to have a physical filing system.  * * * * * Here is a sample of how one typical household's files would look in THE CLUTTER WIZARD'S categorized filing system. This system uses an outer "shell" such as a hanging folder, hanging file pocket or manila filing jacket (this is a personal choice) for major categories with subcategories in regular manila file folders or pockets. Everything is in alphabetical order. BOB FARKAS, THE CLUTTER WIZARD also plans ahead to stagger the folder tabs so they can be easily seen. This is one of the most useful things for efficient retrieval of files but which many people don't take the time or the effort to do. TYPICAL FILING SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME Keep these first two items on top of your workspace or in a very accessible location so you don't miss a critical date. ACTION (hanging folder) Immediate Action (file folder) Do This Week (file folder) Long-Term Action (file folder)  TIP: --Move the "Action" items around into their proper folders. Don't be lazy about doing this otherwise you might miss a critical deadline. BILLS TO PAY (hanging folder) Bills to pay immediately (file folder) Bills to pay on the 15th (file folder) Bills to pay on the 30th (file folder)  TIP: --Pay bills in regularly scheduled intervals so that it becomes a habit. File everything below in a file cabinet. AIRLINE MILEAGE (hanging folder) America Airlines AAdvantage -- specify year (file folder) Continental Airlines OnePlus -- specify year (file folder) Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards -- specify year (file folder) TIP: -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. BANK --- WELLS FARGO (hanging folder) Wells Fargo Checking Acct. Statements -- specify year (file folder) Wells Fargo Savings Acct. Statements -- specify year (file folder) Wells Fargo Check Registers -- specify year (file folder) Wells Fargo Info (file folder)  TIPS: --Keep returned checks in a separate box and in numerical order. They are faster to access this way. -- After the end of each year begin a new set of check registers. Do not mix years in one check register. -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. CAR-- '98 TOYOTA (hanging folder) Toyota Payments -- specify year (file folder) Toyotal Service -- specify year (file folder)  TIP: -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. CHILD-- STEVEN (hanging folder) Stevie's Artwork (that will fit) -- specify years (file folder) Stevie's Report Cards -- specify years (file folder) Stevie's Writings -- specify years (file folder) CHILD-- JENNY (hanging folder) Jenny's Artwork (that will fit) -- specify years (file folder) Jenny's Report Cards -- specify years (file folder) Jenny's Writings -- specify years (file folder)  TIPS: -- Begin new folders once the folders are full but not overflowing. Archive the previous folders in labeled storage boxes or in an old file cabinet. --Keep only those greeting cards that have meaningful messages in them not just a signature such as "Love, Aunt Barbara". CREDIT CARDS (hanging folder) BofA VISA #4215 Info (file folder) BofA VISA #4215 Statements -- specify year (file folder) BofA MasterCard #5417 Info (file folder) BofA MasterCard %5417 Statements -- specify year (file folder) First Fed MasterCard #3690 Info (file folder) First Fed MasterCard #3690 Statements -- specify year (file folder) JC Penney Info (file folder) JC Penney *7690 Statements -- specify year (file folder) Wells Fargo VISA #3690 Info (file folder) Wells Fargo VISA #3690 Statements -- specify year (file folder)  TIPS: --Use the last four digits of your account number to identify each account -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. -- Use as few credit cards as possible to keep the paper flow to a minimum. If possible keep only one VISA card, one MasterCard, and a couple of frequented department store cards. HOME (hanging folder) Alarm Company-- specify year (file folder) Gardener -- specify year (file folder) Home Repair/Maintenance -- specify year (file folder) Rent or Mortgage -- specify year (file folder)  TIP: -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. INSURANCE (hanging folder) Farmer's Homeowner's Info (file folder) Farmer's Homeowner's Statements -- specify year (file folder) Kaiser Health Info (file folder) Kaiser Health Statements -- specify year (file folder) 21st Century Auto Info (file folder) 21st Century Auto Statements -- specify year (file folder)  TIP: -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. --It's also a good idea to compare home insurance companies before you renew your yearly policy to see if you can get a better rate or more coverage. INVESTMENTS--STOCKS (hanging folder) Schwab Info (file folder) Schwab Statements-- specify year (file folder)  TIP: - Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. R ECEIPTS / MISCELLANEOUS (hanging folder) ATM / Bank Transactions -- specify year (file folder) Books -- specify year (file folder) Clothes -- specify year (file folder) Toys -- specify year (file folder) TIP: -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. SCHOOLS (hanging folder) Franklin -- Class Roster-- specify year (file folder) Franklin -- Info (file folder) Revere -- Class Roster-- specify year (file folder) Revere -- Info (file folder)  TIP: -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. UTILITIES (hanging folder) Electric Bills-- specify year (file folder) Electric Info (file folder) Gas Bills-- specify year (file folder) Gas Info (file folder) Phone Bills--AT&T #1212 -- specify year (file folder) AT&T Info (file folder) Water Bills-- specify year (file folder) Water Info (file folder)  TIPS: --If you have more than one phone number specify the last four digits on your folder. -- Begin new folders each year and archive the previous year's folders in labeled storage boxes or an old file cabinet. WARRANTIES AND INSTRUCTION MANUALS (hanging folder) By category (such as clock, stove, toy, etc.--not by brand name) A-F (file folder) G-L (file folder) M-S (file folder) T- Z (file folder)  TIPS: -- Keep these up-to-date. Throw old warranties and manuals out immediately. -- An alternative to keeping warranties and manuals in a file cabinet, is to keep them by category and alphabetical order (camera, clock, computer, desk, fax machine, printer, refrigerator, scanner, stove, toy, etc.) in a three-ring binder inside plastic sleeves that open on the top only. KEEPING SETS OF EMERGENCY FILES If you had to leave your home quickly without any advance warning would you have the time to collect all your important papers and documents? Let BOB FARKAS, THE CLUTTER WIZARD help you plan ahead. THE CLUTTER WIZARD will make copies of your important papers and gather them for you in case of emergencies. We recommend that these be put into a fireproof safe as well as a briefcase placed near each exit that you can grab in a hurry on the way out the door. These include, but are not limited to... birth certificates, social security cards, list of credit card numbers, cash, passports, citizenship papers, list of insurance companies with policy numbers, list of banks and account numbers, list of safe deposit box and their contents, important family documents, ownership papers for your car, home, real estate properties, stocks, investments, etc. For an appointment please call BOB FARKAS 661.298.9100 Serving the Santa Clarita Valley, The San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles   or e-mail me Back to the Top   Home Page ----- Why Use The Clutter Wizard? Overview ----- Bedrooms ----- Closets ----- Kids' Rooms Bathrooms ----- Kitchens ----- Garages & Attics Storage ----- Office & Work Spaces Household Filing System ----- Keeping Emergency Files Paperwork Tips ----- Developing Good Habits ----- Time Management Tips Donating Your Clutter ----- Links to Related Sites What Clients Say ----- Locations Served Member of THE CLUTTER WIZARD website copyright © Bob Farkas. All Rights Reserved.