Need a better filing system?

Question

ok, this is REALLY bad, but when ever i get important post i always put it on my stairs to deal with (i will always see it there, it remind me, i know where it is whatever, etc) (the higher up the stair the more important lol!) only *i* use these stairs so it remains there perfectly safe etc. anyway, my stupid problem is it looks REALLY messy & i need to find a better filing method, but whenever i tidy up, i lose everything. what can i do to have a better filing system? its been there so long i know i will forget the new stuff. my bills etc are somewhere else obviously or the system would just get crazy, this is just important paperwork that needs to be filled out but has no deadline per sae.. anyway, any ideas how to sort this out?

I got different boxes i could use to file these things, but they arent separated out into separate compartments (ie like different stairs for diff. paperwork lol) im afraid if i move it after this long i will just get it lost in the rest f my paperwork..

Answer 1

Get a portable filing box they are not expensive. Then mark your files as to what is needed, you can always name them after the stairs they would be. I have two baskets and one file box I use the first basket for bills and the second for other things that can wait. I go through it once a week and deal with everything in it. When finished I file the stuff that needs to be kept in the file box.

Answer 2

Since it seems like you're a "piler" versus a "filer" (some people are just resistant to the concept) then I would suggest using a system that's similar to what you have now.  What about stacking trays?  (Think "inbox" on a desk.)  Get one to represent each stair step and stack your papers in that.

Answer 3

by file folders with tabs that start on one end and go to the other. Each tab will be i a different spot. Sort of remind you of stairs. File the stuff, label it and put it away in a filing cabinet. Have a certain day that you get bills out to pay, etc.

Answer 4

Get some normal cardboard boxes and mark them important/not important. when your mail comes just through it in the boxes according to the above. that way you know it won't get lost and when you want it just dig in the respective box