Paper Organization

Paper Organization

Okay so this for the anon from last week who requested this. Sorry it took me so long to get back to you… things have been crazy.

Important Paperwork

First it’s important to identify some of your important paperwork. These are what I keep set aside, but this is not a definitive list!

Personal identification like your social security card or immigration information

Tax forms I would keep copies of both your last year’s forms and your current forms (original goes to your tax man)

Driver related like copies of your insurance information, certifications or disciplinary information

Rental related like leases or rental agreements

High School/College like degrees and official transcripts

Voting info like voter ID cards or other registration info

Pay stubs keep these for up to six months

Contracts like any agreement you sign with your Internet or electric providers

Expensive items/warranties keep receipts for any item over $1,000 just in case

1. Make a folder. This, of course, doesn’t actually have to be a folder. It can be a binder, a box, I actually use an oversized Ziploc bag to store all my important paperwork. The key is that you choose an item that is easy to handle and secure (so that you papers don’t come tumbling out accidentally). 

2. Setting. Find an out of the way place to store this information. I would store it in a private part of your apartment or dorm room, somewhere not easily accessible. Obviously don’t go around telling everyone and their aunt where your documents are.

3. Commit to it. Anytime you receive a piece of important paper, immediately store it in your previously chosen place. Remind yourself that it will only taken a few extra seconds to properly secure your documents, and doing this sets an important precedent. 

4. Proof of residency. Proof of residence is something that any institution from your university to your health insurance provider may ask for. Proof of residence can be in the form of a rental agreement, utility bills, or pay stubs with your address on them. Always scan these documents and send copies to whatever service is requesting them, never send the originals. 

5. Pay stubs. I recommend keeping a backlog of your voided paychecks. Voided, in the sense that you’ve already deposited them into your bank account or had them direct deposited. When applying for insurance or a new apartment, you may be asked to provide several of these paychecks. Since these can stack up and become bulky, I wrap them with a large rubber band and keep them beside my important paper file.

6. Clip together. I like to paperclip together similar documents from different years. For example, I keep my different lease agreements clipped together.

7. Organize. Every six months, devote a half hour or so to organizing your file. Clean out any paperwork that is unnecessary or duplicated. Keep your documents up to date and as easy to navigate as possible. Always remember to black out any personal information on documents before throwing them out. I’ll clean my cats’ litter box, and dispose of my old important documents in a garbage bag with the poop as an added security measure. If you’re going to steal my information I’d like you to have to sort through my cat’s shit first.

I hope this helps!