You will need to grab your accordion files (several) and file folders, a stapler and some pens.  It is not necessary to have a file cabinet as long as you have bins that will accommodate file folders.  Other items that may be helpful and give you a professional organized look are a label maker and decorative file folders.  You need to have several different colors for color-coding documents. Highlighters will help if you need to highlight important information on documents to aid in quick identification and self-stick tabs help as well. Binders are helpful to store important financial documents so that you have this information on hand for accounting purposes.  Use index files to classify and categorize.   A shredder is necessary as well in these days of identity theft.

First, start to sort papers by categories such as: those listed below. Work on one stack at a time. Today we will only begin the organization process focusing on tax documents as it is the time to consider filing taxes. However, as you go through the paperwork, begin to sort them according to a plan.

• Warrantees or manuals
• Critical files such as birth certificates, shot records, insurance documents, passports, voters cards and marital/divorce documents, social security cards, Medical records
• Financial records
• General documents
• Work documents
• Receipts
• Tax records
• Keepsake or scrapbook
• Pets

Label file folders for each category.  We will make individual files for those categories that need further division.  If you don’t have enough time to do this in one day, start by sorting accumulated stacks. Tackle these one at a time. Once you have them all sorted, create files by writing or using a label maker for the file folders.  You can color-code them according to topic.  For example, use blue folders for financial records, green for bills, red for tax information. This will help you quickly find a folder that you are looking for when it is needed. While you are moving forward in the Transformational Organizational process, you will encounter more of these items amongst your things. Make sure that you put them in their dedicated space or organizational system right away.  This will make finding them easier and will contribute to the organization as we go.