“Stimulating” Conversation About Getting Organized
Last week, we reviewed the 2008 Stimulus Package and discussed how you could spend your rebate to give you the biggest bang for your buck. In Paper Doll‘s esteemed opinion, the best way to spend your rebate is to INVEST it, not necessarily in the stock market (which, even with dollar cost averaging, isn’t such a sure bet these days), but in yourself.
Don’t put your proverbial cart before the horse in terms of buying organizing tools you aren’t sure you need (for a great review of that topic, I direct you to Jeri Dansky’s recent post). But, in order to save time and money, reduce stress and be more productive, there are certain tools and services that will help you get the job done efficiently, effectively, and dare I say it, joyfully!
Way back in November 2007, I posted what I saw as the bare necessities of keeping your papers organized. Original comments are in green (to symbolize the money you’ll save by getting your paper life organized).
1) A container that holds hanging folders
Choose as simple or as fancy as you like, from a cardboard bankers box to a plastic crate to a metal or wood filing cabinet. If you’re often mobile, you can even try a portable file box
on wheels.
These are file containers that will hold the bulk of your REFERENCE files–your financial files, your insurance policies, your Very Important Papers.
So, what kind of diero are we talking about for a filing container? Take your pick from a bevy of options in a wide variety of price ranges.
Fancy-schmancy — like this amazing array of filing cabinets displayed at Apartment Therapy
Mid-range options — neither pretty nor dirt cheap:
- The Container Store’s Bisley line (the 2-drawer, designed for 2 levels of files, rather than the 3-drawer, which actually only has one level of hanging file capacity)
- Staples’ HON 500 Series Vertical Filing Cabinets
Paper Doll-preferred low-cost options:
I know. Totally boring–even if you get the plastic bright fuschia or blue. But the truth is, until you get your files sorted, an open-top system will help speed the process. You’ll be able to see everything in front of you in one tidy package, and shifting sets of files won’t even require getting off your tushy.
Note: the home for your hanging folders need not be pretty, but it must be functional. If the drawers only pull half-way out, or the interior folders brush against the top of the cabinet as the drawer is pulled out, the solution is no good. Feel free to bring a few hanging and interior folders with you when you shop and test your alternatives.
Cost: $7.28 (about a dollar less, if you catch a sale) to multiple thousands
2) Hanging folders Choose the standard (ugly) green, enjoy multi-colored versions even if you don’t plan to color-code, or pick something high falutin’
for inspiration. Hanging folders divide the major sections or categories, but if colors and patterns increase your motivation, go for it!
Start with a package of 50 or 100, and go from there. Standard hanging folders are best, but Pendaflex Box-Bottom Hanging File Folders
may be preferable if you have thick, heavy documents to maintain, such as depositions or directories.
Whether you shop at Wal-Mart or go a little more upscale, you’re looking at anywhere from $6 to $25 for more hanging folders than you’ll probably need.
3) Interior folders
Again, it doesn’t matter if you stick with plain vanilla manila, or go for pretty and fancy, as long as you use the folders to separate the sub-categories of your life-on-paper.
Colorful folders will motivate the visually-oriented, but some people need to be more daring. I’ve found pink polka-dotted folders in the stationery section of Target, so don’t feel that you have to travel hither and yon to find inspirational filing accessories. Fun online options can be found here OnlineOrganizing.com
(of course), See Jane Work, Kaboodle, Galison-Mudpuppy, and for a startling array, Current (yes, the check-printing people)!
Paper Doll loves pretty paper, but advises sticking to manila or standard multi-color folders for general reference filing. Save the pretty (pricey) goods for special projects, like planning birthday parties or vacations.
Costs range from $4.99 to about $30 for a box of 100.
4) A labelmaker
This can be your hand-held thick Sharpie, or you can opt for something a little higher tech.
There had been a link to my personal Brother labelmaker, but if you read Of Penmanship and Pendaflex two weeks ago, you know there’s a newer, niftier version available.
A really good labelmaker shouldn’t run you more than $29-$40, and should last for eons.
5) Trust in yourself that the piles of papers will soon be conquered.
Priceless.
6) A tickler file
Whether you create one yourself with 43 manila folders (for each day of the week and month of the year) or buy one and use my guidelines in Tickle Yourself Organized, nothing works better for keeping loose papers and thoughts corralled and preventing tasks from falling through the cracks.
$17-$35
7) The services of a professional organizer
This also hadn’t been on my original list, but one of the best things you can do with your stimulus check is avail yourself of the expert wisdom and guidance of a professional organizer. Check out OnlineOrganizing.com’s referral network
, the National Association of Professional Organizers and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization.
Rates vary by geographic area, level of expertise, the complexity of your needs and the duration of your work together. But even one session with a professional organizer combined with all of the recommended items above (seriously, you don’t need a fancy filing cabinet!) should leave you with enough left over from your rebate to stimulate (and sate) your appetite for a self-congratulatory meal.
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