Drowning in paperwork

Aarons_mummy

I have a lever arch file but I do want to get a case folder.

I would throw out every single payslip for the last 4 years and keep the P60's. I would keep all the coming years and then after the year is out throw those as well and keep it going. I have online bank statements but I keep the annual ISA's that come through. I keep all cresit card bills, store card bills, agreements, tax credit notices, University accetance forms etc. I have dividers in there and each 'file/paper etc' is filed in alphabetical order and each section (ie credit card statements are filed in date order). So i can find everything easily and quickly, it also helps if you do it once per week (I do it as soon as something comes in but understand that it isn't possible for everyone), so it doesn't build up .

mlz1413

kymbo82 wrote: »

My filing system is awful, I put it all in a cupboard and that's the lot, I have bought a filing folder to sort it all out but am unsure as to what to keep and what to throw?

My husband gets paid weekly and has payslips going back 4 years..hundreds of sheets. I know we had to keep his P60's but really all the payslips? P60's YES, Payslips NO. I'd keep one from each year maximum just to show things like pay rate & tax code but the P60 is a summary of that years earnings so nothing else is needed.
Also same for bank statements etc? I'd keep a minimum of one years worth so you have a history of what you pay for and can check things back, but after that depends on space.
Any idea's on how to be organised with paperwork would be gratefully received also.
Thank you

I bought an A - Z expanding file years ago, I keep things in the slot I would look for it under, i.e. P for pensions, E for Electric, I for Insurance, C for Car (all car stuff log book/mot/ins/service etc)

When the slot for that letter gets too full its time to sort out, so if I keep payslips then when the slot gets too full I'll shread at least half of the pile.

As you have a filing folder maybe just buy or make some dividers, label them clearly (on file spine and on divider) so you don't have to look too hard to find the file you want.

GreyQueen

I have a hanging file type box which has sections for each utility bill/ bank account/ payslips/ council tax bills. When it gets too fat, I archive the old stuff in a sealed up enveloped for a few years.

You should keep P.60s and if you recieve any means tested benefits or tax credits you might want to keep payslips for the duration of the claim.

I use an ordinary A4 ringbinder with plastic pocket sleeves to hold appliance instructions/ warranties the relevent receipts and another for recipes and yet another for hospital letters, of which I accrue a few.

You also want a safe place for the really important docs like passports, birth and marriage certs (and divorce decrees if applicable), NHS cards etc and this kind of stuff is best under lock and key as it can be targeted by burglars (according to a scene-of-the-crimes-officer I once met; they want it for identity theft).

HTH.

kymbo82

thanks for the great ideas. I think I need some sort of board to attach things that need to be dealt with asap as I have just found a few overdue bills

Citygirl1

I keep wresting with this one. I did have a concertina type of folder with each pocket labelled up for a different category and that way I had just one file to go through. Then I changed it to buying a different folder for each topic and keeping them in a cupboard but that means going through loads of files instead of one.

Nowadays I tend to have most of my bills and bank statements on line and rarely receive any paper copies, so I find I have one folder for say my telephone agreement and thats it because the actual bills are all on line so I am wondering whether to go back to the other method, what do you all use?

SpikyHedgehog

I got a filing drawer thingy we got when we got the computer desk with suspension pockets... In practice most stuff is jammed into the filing tray waiting for me to sort it out, which is dreadful as I don't do it for ages and it just gets more of a chore.

So whatever you use needs to be easy to access and easy to use, so if you do have 1 weeks letters to file, or even 1 month (as you say, with so much being online, there's not so much paperwork to keep) you can sit & file the stuff while on the phone waiting to be connected, or waiting for dinner to cook...

I'd be inclined to use the single concertina thing, it would also be easier to grab if you had to evacuate your home for floods or something.

Angel_Jenny

I have a concertina file for bills and all that sort of information including a pocket for things like instructions / guarantees for the television.

I have a little wicker basket where post goes until it is checked and dealt with then things are either shredded, recycled or filed away.

My struggle is storing / organising all my pen pal letter!!

oldtractor

I do as much as possible on line and everything else has its own see-through plastic folder, which I find easier than a concertina type which I used to use. The plastic folders all live together in a box clearly labled "car insrance" "house insurance" etc.

I_luv_cats

I have bills/paperwork in a small box awaiting filing.

Every few months I file (and maybe purge) into my metal home file box(with suspended folders)

I have a pin board for pending stuff like hospital appointments.

It can be a bit overwhelming at times. The system can break down and paperwork ends up in the paperwork Bermuda triangle!!!

Thank gord for online billing that has cut down the paper flows!!

Citygirl1

Thank you for your replies. Yes online banking is great, it cuts down on so much paperwork and filing. I have a friend who insists on receiving every bill and bank statement in the post and she keeps all her receipts for years. I only keep the receipts for big items until I get rid of them and then receipts for things like clothes I just keep them till I know I am keeping the item and not taking it back.