Path to Paperless - Part 2

It is definitely later than I had planned, but as promised, here is part duex to the Path to Paperless segment!

Yesterday, I provided some basic steps on how to begin organizing bills to rid your home of the piles.  This post is to focus on the "non-bills" such as receipts, appointment sheets, user manuals, and the like.

As before, I created a file specifically for each of the categories: Receipts, Appointments, User Manuals, etc.

My brother created an excel worksheet with a budget template (message me if you would like contact info) and it is fabulous for keeping track of finances, especially if you are a family (like us) that run paycheck-to-paycheck.  When I am not able to update the budget, I simply scan the receipts into the "Receipts" folder.

My folder for Receipts (empty atm because the budget is updated)

Folder for Appointments

 I do not currently have a user manual folder created because I will tackle those at a later date after I finish with the other paperwork that I have. 

I will use Appointments for my next example.  Within this file, I have created a folder for each location that I am going to.  I have a file for myself and for my husband, but within my file I have two Dr. offices.

Current locations I have appointments at.

Within those files, I have the appointment sheets labeled with the date of the appointment.

As the appointment date is passed, I simply delete the file.  This also helps when I am updating my online calendar.  I simply go to the "Appointments" folder and fill in the dates when it is convenient for me!

Sometimes at appointments, I get paperwork that I need to keep track of.  This is a personal choice that needs to be made BY YOU!  You can scan that paperwork into the "Appointments" file, or into the main company file.  You can also create an independent file if you wish, but I would prefer to keep it within the company file for easy reference. 

When I create the "User Manual" file, I plan on creating a folder for each item name and then scanning in the manual with the labels Page 1, Page 2, etc.  Warranty information will also be included.

As I stated in my previous post, I plan on keeping important paperwork in a hard file (ex. tax information).  Putting it into paperless form is just an easy way to organize and keep from having to search for a specific document, and also help you to purge what is needed as a hard copy and what can be thrown away. 

*Mommy tip: For those with young artists, scanning in the artwork can give you the opportunity to choose the pieces you wish to keep a hard copy of and the pieces you keep a digital copy of without hurting the young artist's feelings.  I know many mothers who scan in their children's art and then get collages printed for hanging.*

I hope that this segment has helped spark the beginnings of a new, organized household!  Again, if there are ANY questions, feel free to ask!