File Creation, Day 4 of 4

I have a friend who can fix anything.  He's just one of those guys.  He credits his skill to two things: his father who taught him everything he knows and his collection of tools.  Tony always assures me that the right tool makes any job easier.  I may not be able to fix anything but I do know something about organizing tools.  The four items shown above are must have tools if you want to create a file system that's fun to use.  

1. You need a label maker.  Period. End of story.  I don't care which company you support or which product line floats your boat.  Get a label maker.  If anyone else looks at your files they will be so grateful they don't have to deal with your hand written file tabs. 
2. Get a package of the extra long file tabs.  The ones that come with your hanging file folders don't allow for any creativity.  Recycle or donate them.
3. Box bottom hanging file folders allow you to group related files in one literal, physical spot.  You save space in the drawer and time when you need to research material for a project whether that's a home remodel, a school report or a project at work. Integrate them into your file system where appropriate.
4. Manila folders are great for every day business but have a little fun with special projects.  There are all kinds of fun designs and colors.  I had a client who used her file system because the files were scenes of Paris and I have many clients who choose colored files according to their Feng Shui meaning.

In every book in the One Year to ... series my editor laughed that the chapters on office organization were the longest.  I've tossed out tips and tricks all this week in honor of school starting and the busy Fall season being on the horizon.  If you really want to master file creation and organize your office space read one of my books and spend some time creating systems that will support and nurture you.  Why waste time looking for things when you could spend that time being creative and having fun?