It’s impossible to get anything done when you’re buried under a mountain of various paperwork. A lot of paperwork is unavoidable, and if you want to get anything done, you’ll need to develop an efficient system that will prevent this paperwork from completely taking over. You’ll be able to do the things that matter without being bogged down by a burdening chore.
- Know When to Go Digital
How much of your paperwork actually needs to be paperwork? Scanning your notes and documents and converting them into digital files won’t take up any physical space. You can free up room in your filing cabinet for physical copies of things you actually need to keep, and save important reference paperwork directly to your desktop for easy access any time.
- Keep Temporary Papers Separate
If you only need paperwork for one specific task or project, store it separately. When you’re done with it, it’s easier to shred and dispose of it. Mixing it in with your other paperwork will only make it more difficult to clean it out of your stores when you no longer need it, allowing it to take up valuable space you could be using for things you’ll need to hold onto.
- File Away Long Term Papers Immediately
As soon as you get paperwork that you know you’ll need to keep on file for an extended period of time, put it directly where it goes. Don’t allow it to sit on your desk and become integrated with things that will need to be filed in a separate location. If you have a long term filing system, it’s easy to open the drawer, pull the folder, and put the paperwork away as soon as you get it. Consider utilizing a separate cabinet specifically for this purpose. If you can’t get to it immediately, setting it on top of this dedicated cabinet will prevent it from getting mixed up.
- Efficiently Store Things You’ll Need
Paperwork you need on a regular basis is best stored near your desk. You may need to rotate this paperwork out from time to time, moving things into your long term storage or destroying sensitive documents when you’re no longer working on them. Keep a filing tray on your desk for documents you’re either currently working with, or things you’ll need to reference constantly that cannot be converted to digital documents.
As frustrating as it can be, paperwork is an inevitable part of our everyday lives. Developing a system and handling it as it comes can prevent it from becoming an obstacle in the path of meeting important deadlines. Don’t forget to destroy the things you’ll no longer need, and always rid yourself of junk paperwork the moment you receive it.
Susanne Loxton is a business enthusiast who combines her interest in career and personal development with a passion for writing. On a daily basis, Susanne works for Aubiz , a compendium of knowledge about companies in her native Australia.
