What system does everyone use to organize they documents?

I have a file drawer in my desk but the top of my desk is still a mess. I can't seem to come up with a system that works. I already throw out all my junk mail right away so that is in't the issue. It is 2 wedding invitations the I know are under 3 moving quotes.
My goal is to file stuff, know I put it there and remember it is there. DH is tired of me going to 3 locations to look for stuff. For what it is worth, I current to not have a space for more than this desk. We moving in 2 weeks and I will be able to have a real file cabinet and a more dedicated space.

Does anyone have any tips?

Re: What system does everyone use to organize they documents?

invitations, dr appointment reminders, dry cleaning receipts, etc go into a pouch on the fridge door.
It is a magnetic panoramic size picture frame that I use to hold this type of stuff. Love it because stuff doesn't fall off the fridge like when you use regular magnets.

All my other papers go into stand up file boxes, with individual file folders for all the bills, receipts, statements. Old tax returns go into a binder, as do bank statements. The stand up file boxes go into a tall bookcase I've got hidden behind the door to my 2nd bedroom/den/office. You only see it when the door is closed.
Any really important papers, such as original car and home insurance policies, passports, birth and marriage certs, are stored in the fireproof lockbox in the bottom of the bookcase.

Re: What system does everyone use to organize they documents?

I have a small white board/bulletin board above my desk. I always RSVP right away to invites and then I tack the invite to the board so it's in plain sight and so it doesn't get lost. I have a calendar desk blotter and every month I write in what bills are due on what day. I sit down once a week to enter transactions into Quicken and to pay my bills. As I pay things I highlight them on the calendar so I know they are paid. I don't get many paper statements anymore but when I did I would either put them in the "file" or "shred" box. Every so often I take the time to shred and file everything accordingly. I keep a small box for receipts that I need to keep, just in case. (clothes receipts, gift receipts, etc)

The key to keeping organized is to have a system, whatever system works for you and to make sure everything has a place. My stamps and address labels have a spot, my pens/pencils, have a spot, my papers have a spot, etc. When everything has a designated spot to be in it makes it a lot easier to keep organized.

ETA - Important documents like birth certificates, marriage license, savings bonds, etc. are kept in a small fireproof safe that we have.

Message edited 3/22/2012 9:07:23 AM.