File Creation, Day 2 of 4

This image is from the new Container Store newsletter.  What many people don't realize is that you need to have your papers filed in a way that you enjoy.  It seems elementary and yet time and again I work with clients who don't use their files because they followed instructions for a system that didn't appeal to them.  Or worse they have a 'mish-mash' of several different systems! It's like buying clothing you don't like and wondering why you don't wear any of it or getting a car that doesn't suit you and not understanding why you never want to go anywhere.

The larger boxes above are great for 'Action' files especially if you ever need to transport them to a different location.  For my purposes 'Action' means: To Do, To File, To Read, Pending and the like. But you might use one of those boxes to hold files for a single project like a remodel or a project at work.

The flat boxes are called Project Boxes and work well for those who don't relate to hanging files.  It's a costly choice but if it gets you motivated use it for the top projects and bite the bullet and create a file system as well.  Who said you can't mix'n'match?

The open shelves are great to keep paper handy that you have to grab all the time.  Copy paper for the 'good' copies, recycled paper for the scratch copies, colors if you do drafts etc.

I especially love the color choices in the products shown above.  You can make work more inviting if the physical tools you choose express who you are and invite you to use them. Getting organized is a very creative process. Contrary to popular belief a creative person is a great candidate for this task because there are myriad ways to express yourself.