Path to Paperless!

Paperless...this is a word that has grown in meaning now that technology has pretty much taken over the way we run our lives.  It is a process that is difficult in the beginning, but holds great benefits such as less stress, ease of searching, and space saving to name a few.

Before I dig into the how's, let's look at the true definition of "paperless."

pa·per·less adj. Not requiring paper because of the use of computers and other electronic media to record, convey, and store information.

Let me list what you will need to begin this life-changing process: 

~ Computer

~ Scanner

~ Shredder (Optional)

~ Staple Remover

I chose to let my husband's inner pyromaniac come out and burn the papers that held personal information, but you can shred them if you would prefer.

Let me begin by saying that many "how-to" websites lead the individual to use Evernote.  While this is a wonderful program, the free version does not allow you the functions of the paid version (I won't pay for something I don't necessarily need), and to scan into Evernote requires a scanner that is compatible with the program.  I have my Cannon 3-in-1 and it works great.  I use the Windows Scan and Fax (pre-installed on any Windows computer) and just save the files into my virtual filing cabinet.

The first step to become paperless is to gather any papers that you see lying around.  This can be tedious.  You then take one paper at a time and ask yourself, "Do I need this?"  If the answer is yes, then scan it.  After scanning, ask yourself, "Do I need to keep this hard copy?"  If the answer is yes, set it aside in a folder/container for later.  If the answer is no, shred or trash the paper.  Voila!  You have begun the process!  Continue to do this for however long you would like.  I chose to scan about 25 pages at a time.  If the pages are front/back, I would scan both sides.

"So many pages...what do I do now???"

I will try to be as clear as possible with this next explanation. 

Create a file on your desktop.  I named my file Paperless Files.  Inside that folder, I created a folder for each company that I had a file for.  For example: I have a lot of medical bills that are past due from when I had chemotherapy.  As you can see below, I created a file for each bill source. In each folder, I created sub-folders.  I'll use Blue Ridge for my example. 

All of the different billers

I created folders for the Bills and the EoB's from my insurance

Under Bills, I created a folder for my husband and myself.

I created different folders for the various types of bills they send (some dates are grouped). Weird right???

Individual bills have a folder for each account number to keep them organized.

Then I just save the file by the statement date since it is already in the account folder.

Everyone will have their own filing system.  I tried to map mine out before scanning, but it went a lot quicker after I scanned and just started saving the files where I wanted them (creating the folders along the way).

I hope this wasn't too confusing.  If there are ANY questions, PLEASE feel free to ask and I will do my best to clarify.  Do not expect this to happen overnight, the next day, or even the same week.  It is a life-changing process that takes time.

In tomorrow's post, I will be covering how to organize the non-bills that you will come across (such as receipts, appointment reminders, user manuals, and others).