How does everyone organize their imporant documents?

I have several large unlabeled boxes which I fill at random. Does that count?

Crucial documents (passports, insurance papers, mortgage papers, deeds, medical stuff, etc.) go into labeled folders in a fireproof safe.

Important documents (tax returns, auto repair records, etc.) go into labeled folders on a shelf.

Weekly bills and items I’m currently working on get clipped together and put in my bag (murse) as I usually address these at work.

I pay bills at work too. :)

boringly in an A-Z box file… which i have to filter out every six months because it gets packed with crap… I have 3 silver filing trays though that get filled with random bits of everything from paperwork to pennies to pritt stick…

although i wish i was one of those people that can randomly fill boxes and not let it bother them…

@battlemarz does it bother you that they are filled randomly? Or are quite happy with this arrangement….

@cprevite…like the fireproof safe…could do with one of those for my diaries and photos…etc…thanks for the idea x

@mowens: I’m lucky enough to have an office to myself and the back of my iMac faces the door. I’m usually pretty far ahead on work projects, so lots of home stuff gets done at work

@lynneblundell: A fireproof safe is perfect for things at are difficult or impossible to replace. Getting it home from the store is an advenure, as they weigh quite a bit.

@lynneblundell I am usually quite happy with it. When I go back looking for something I usually know the last time I had it out, and therefore which box and how deep it should be. Some day I want to get around to getting a system worked out. But as of now, between electronic copies and generally not having that much information I need in the long run, I’m happy with having a big messy pile.

I start each year with a terrific filing system but then forget what labels I used. Under Health, I have a million sub-topics (including all my mother’s medical issues) and as such, can find nothing. My folder labeled “Taxes 2008” is shocking in its chaotic state.

@gailcalled – come to think of it… yes it’s not so much the filing system that causes problem it’s what your brain (at the time) chooses to file things under….and when you come back thema year later…you have no idea at all….

do I file my gas bills under G for Gas or under B for British Gas the utility company…. alway a headache….

On my computer I have solved (or deferred the problem ) putting almost everything into a folder called “Gailstuff.” Retrieval of anything I find impossible.