Easy Guide to Organising Records at Home

The Two-Step Paper Handler

Every home needs an "office" or an area to pay your bills, keep tax records and store important documents. It doesn't necessarily take a room of its own, but you do need to make room to keep paper from taking over your home.

  1. Create an effective storing system. Storing your personal documents in labelled records storage boxes or file cabinets will do two things:
    • Offer the peace of mind that comes with knowing where your important papers are
    • Cut your tax preparation time significantly
  2. Destroy documents you don't need to store. It's easy to let papers pile up, but pretty soon they're taking over and you can't get your hands on what you need when you need it.
    • Shred obsolete financial records, old and obsolete receipts, credit card statements, bank statements and telephone bills

The One-Stop Bill Payment Place

Create one place for paying bills; keep everything together that you need to get the job done. Turn that kitchen junk drawer into a bill-paying centre or designate a drawer in your desk. It doesn't matter where it is, as long as it contains an organized, easy to maintain system.

Transfer each bill you wish to pay from your mailbox to your payment centre. Stock it with:

  • Your cheque register
  • Cheques
  • Envelopes
  • Stamps
  • Calculator
  • Pens or pencils
  • Files or large manila envelopes marked "Credit Cards," "Utilities," and "Insurance."

Every month, designate a couple of dates for bill paying. When you open your drawer, you'll be ready for business. When you're done, mark the date paid and put your copy of the invoice section in one of the files or envelopes.