Thanks to computers and the Internet, you no longer need to keep original receipts or statements. Most can be downloaded or scanned for digital copies that are easier to find and reference when needed. Check out these five quick tips that will help make your office paperless and more organized.
- Use two storage boxes for fast paper organization. One will be the Recycle Bin where you toss junk mail and trash. The second will be your File Box where you toss hard copies you wish to keep.
- Apply for E-bills instead of paper statements. With Online Billpay, you can see E-bill balances instantly and download them directly into your computer ... aka, your new digital filing cabinet. Hard copies can then be tossed into your Recycle Bin or File Box.
- Get an E-fax for digital filing. Scan papers to your hard drive quickly by sending them to your E-fax number, which instantly forwards the files to your E-mail. With Outlook, you can download and save these files in moments, then throw hard copies in your File Box.
- Use one credit card for all your purchases. By doing this, you can toss tax receipts in your File Box and use your E-bill statement as your main receipt. This will save time on data entry AND filing.
- Use wall files marked "Inbox," "Outbox," "Pending," and "To Mail." Not only does this give you more desk space, but it also helps you sort through paperwork that you still need to deal with.
