Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 12, 2014 How to organize all those important papers Let’s face it: People often have different ideas as to what constitutes organization. Some think that orga- nizing important papers means stacking them in piles on the dining room table. Others stow them in a card- board box. But there are better methods to keeping files, bills, and other items in check. Having a paper trail can be messy and impracti- cal. Searching for forms or bills wastes time and may result in missed deadlines or payments. There are ways to cull the clutter. Here are a few time-saving organizational tips. Designate a basket or a drawer to serve as a collec- tion point for mail. When it comes time to sort through it, there will only be one place to look. Choose a place to store items to file away. A file cabinet is a logical source, but it can be a drawer or a box in the closet, as long as it is organized for easy access. Files can be separated in different ways. Folders can be used to break down files into specifics, such as a folder for utility bills and one for insurance papers. The folders also can be organized by date. Try to sepa- rate paid bills into bi-monthly folders. This way it is only necessary to search in one folder to find a spe- cific piece of paperwork. Do not keep unnecessary papers. Unneeded papers should be shredded and put in the recycling bin promptly to cut down on the amount of clutter. Consider using a digital method to organize files and paperwork. Use a scanner to copy papers and then store the scanned file on the computer. Use a flatbed scanner or a specialty easy-feed scanner. The latter type of scanner might even come with programs to organize receipts, bills, and other items to be stored. Organize the folders on the computer so they will be easy to locate. Think about scanning children’s schoolwork. Stu- dents are often sent home with multiple papers and assignments each day. Locate the “keepers” and create a digital scrapbook. Any documents that are being stored on a computer should be backed up to an external drive or CD. Cut down on clutter at home by requesting paper- less statements for bills. When the time comes to pay monthly bills, it will only be necessary to access e- mail or a bill-paying program. Routinely review files and see which items no longer have to be stored. Most bill stubs can be thrown away after a year. Financial paperwork and receipts should be saved for several years in the event of an audit. Separate files into what can be stored at home and what is best stored somewhere in a safer location, like a safe deposit box. Car titles, credit card policies and numbers, pay stubs, home improvement receipts, medical records, insurance policies, tax records, and bill stubs can all be stored at home. However, birth certificates, military service records, house deed and title, a list of valuables for insurance purposes, and passports might be safer if they are stored in a safe deposit box. Getting papers organized can take a little work. Once the system is established, it only requires rou- tine maintenance to keep everything in order.