Label the dedicated accordion files according to the type of items that you have. As you gather your warantees, receipts, and manuals, file them in the accordion files.  File warantees and manuals by subject such as lawn and garden, large appliances, tools, outdoor equipment, kitchen items, small appliances, pets, etc. This will be very helpful when you need service or repairs for one of these items.  If you have the original receipt to an item, staple it to the manual and do this each time you purchase something new.

Also, make sure that you fill out the warrantee card and send it in. This is how the company will notify you of any recalls or defects. However, the U.S. Government offers advice on filling out these cards:

Warranty Registration Cards:  f you decide to send the registration card, include only minimal information such as name, address, date of purchase and product serial number. For some products you may want the company to have a record of your purchase in case there is a safety recall.

More useful information can be found at:https://www.ag.nd.gov/Brochures/FactSheet/JunkMail.pdf

Click to access JunkMail.pdf

I suggest that you have one accordion file for household items and garage or outdoor items to make finding an item quickly.  If using two accordion files, label them “House” and “Garage” for power tools, bikes, lawnmower, etc.

Some labeling suggestions for ease in organization are:

• Electronics
• Appliances
• Art
• Jewelry
• Kid’s electronics
• Music
• Cameras
• Audio/visual
• Outdoor
• Tools
• Furs
• Miscellaneous

Organize the documents according to the categories face them all the same way.  This makes it easy to look through them when you are looking for something in particular. Another tip is to have the larger manuals and document to the back of the category section in the file and the smaller ones up front. This makes searching for something easier.

If you encounter a manual or receipt and you no longer have the item, then discard (if it is not an important tax document).  Also, at least once a year, look through each accordion file to make sure that you still own the items.  If you sell or give something away during the year, retrieve the manual from the file to give to the new owner. This benefits the new owner and allows them to have all the information that they need if something breaks.  If you are going to donate or sell an item, pull the manual so that the person who is getting your donation will have the manual to go with it.  Keep the receipt in your tax file for donation write-off.

Whew!!! Time for that healthy beverage. Remember to Hydrate!

You may not be finished with paperwork yet, but keep at it.  Tackle one pile at a time and remember to “file as you find” paperwork in your house.  Don’t create new piles.  Once you are finished for the day, remember to reward yourself with our self pampering routine.

Beauty Routine:

If you haven’t done this beauty routine while working,  this is the day that we dedicate our time our luxurious hair. Take some extra time to pamper yourself.  Paperwork is stressful so deep condition your hair. Your lovely locks will make you value this organizational task.  Make sure you stick to our self-pampering and beauty routine schedule.

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