The New Year May Have Begun, but Are You Better Organized Than Last Year? If Not, Here Are a Few Tips to Get You Started in 1999.

By Laura Shepherd

Now that we're a month or so into the new year, are you looking at a nice organized office? Are your papers all filed neatly and everything you need for tax time in the appropriate folders? If this isn't the case, you're looking forward to several days or even several weeks of sorting things out.

Unfortunately, I have no magical answer for you. However, you can begin with three simple steps that will make things easier.

1. Make Folders--While you're sorting through the mess, instead of piling things in neat piles everywhere, start making folders to file your papers in. Chances are, the reason you have so many papers laying around is that you haven't stopped to make any folders for a long time.

For small or home businesses, it isn't necessary to stop and type a label for your folders. Hand writing or printing is much faster and is no problem as long as you're the only one using the files. You won't have to worry about anyone else reading your writing. 

2. File--If you already have folders made that some of your material can be filed in, file it now. If your business is not really large, you can use these folders for this year also. You may want to put a piece of blank card stock paper in your folder to separate 1998 from 1999. This will give you a start on getting organized for the new year.

3. Toss--While you're sorting and filing and getting ready for tax time, it's also a good time to make another big decision--what will be kept and what will be tossed. So keep a trash can handy and do this as you sort. 

Just by doing your filing, making folders and tossing what you can, you'll make a big difference in the appearance of your office. This alone will make you feel better and give you a head start on being organized for 1999.

Laura Shepherd is an office organizing consultant with 25 years of experience in the secretarial field. For information on every aspect of how to organize your office, send for her "Step By Step Guide to Organizing Your Office." The cost of the guide is $5, postage paid. Send your request and $5 to Laura Shepherd, Office Organizing Consultant, P.O. Box 620006, Oviedo, FL 32762-0006.