file-foldersAlthough I discovered this organizational tool almost a year ago — I have just recently committed to its ability to keep me organized, uncluttered, and productive. This is a significant component to the David Allen system, Getting Things Done. (Please note that this is the 43 Folders Web Site, author Merlin Mann;  remain ‘alert’ should you read his other posts.)

An excellent resource to increase productivity as a home manager!

It is a simple and uncomplicated filing system:

43 folders =12 months + 31 days

How it works:

A piece of paper appears on your desk; it could be a bill, soccer schedule, notes for a meeting next month, permission slip for May field trip, party invitation, etc.

I used to put these ‘important’ papers on the refrigerator then they moved to a bulletin board in my office, then an ‘inbox’,  and it just looked cluttered and unorganized all the time.

Now I am able to quickly file all these papers. If the party is March 25th, I might file it in 18 — a week earlier so I have time to purchase a present. It is the soccer schedule for the season beginning in May, the sheet of paper goes into the ‘Month’ folder, May.

Here is what the file drawer looks like for this month front to back:

February
January
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
31-1 (each file numbered separately)
March

and remember, any system only works when you use it :)