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Decorative File Folders

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Filing just got more fun with our decorative file folders. Paper seems to grow exponentially in busy families and getting a handle on all the paper is a big job, but can be mastered with file folders. File folders are an easy and inexpensive way to get your paper organized and kitchen counters cleared. Use them to create a home filing system and file many things including bills, kids' schoolwork, recipes, family activity ideas, and travel brochures. See our How to Create a Home Filing System and Possible Categories for Your Decorative File Folders for more tips and suggestions.

Who said filing had to be boring? Do away with the boring manila file folders and add a little style to your life with these decorative file folders. Use the file folders to organize your financial records, school records, insurance papers, travel literature and much more. Each file folder set comes with 8 file folders in 4 complementary designs, 20 adhesive labels, and measures 9-1/4 x 11-1/4". Available individually or with a coordinating file tote or memo mousepad.

$8.50 - Item #FP262 - Decorative File Folders Questions?

Now on Sale - Only $6.80

How to Create a Home Filing System

A well thought out and organized home filing system can do a lot to cut down on a family’s paper clutter. Here are some tips to help you create and utilize a filing system for your family.

Begin by sorting through all of your paperwork and discard papers you no longer need.

Once you have cleared out old unused paperwork, begin sorting the remaining papers into different piles by type of category. The categories you choose should reflect your family and your family’s needs. For example you may have a category for Travel and in this category include travel brochures, travel notes, travel articles, etc. Another category may be for medical papers and include things like medical receipts, insurance information, or immunization records. Don't over analyze the categories at this point. You can refine them later before filing in the file folders

Next, take a look at the number of piles and the size of each pile. If you have a lot of small piles, is it possible to combine them in some way to save on space? If you have a large pile, you may want to think of breaking it down into a couple different of categories to make it easier to find things.

Once you have your piles and categories worked out, you can determine how many file folders you will need. Count your piles and purchase a file folder for each category along with a couple extra file folders to have on hand for new categories you may need to add in the future.

After you have sorted your paperwork, defined your categories, and determined the number of file folders needed, it is time to determine which of your categories are active and which are non-active. An active category is a category or file that you use on a regular basis such as bills or school papers. An inactive file would be one you need to keep, but don’t use on a regular basis such as tax returns or appliance manuals. File all of the active categories together in an easy to access filing cabinet, drawer, or box. File all of the inactive files in a secure place away from the active files.

Purge your files every year and shred and recycle all old unneeded papers.

Possible Categories for Your Decorative File Folders

Bills - Use a file folder to keep track of paid and unpaid bills

Medical - Insurance policies, immunization records, medical receipts, test results, correspondence

Family Activities - Keep track of all those great family activity ideas that you have collected via clipped magazine articles, brochures, notes, maps, and email

Hobbies - Use a file folder to keep track of notes, articles, and resources for your hobbies. If you have a lot of hobbies that you actively participate in, consider dividing the file up into smaller files categorized by each hobby (i.e. photography, scrapbooking, painting, etc).

Travel - A file folder is a great way to keep track of travel brochures, travel notes, travel articles, discount coupons, and family travel goals.

Credit Cards - Credit card statements, agreements, reward points, etc.

Automobiles - Maintenance logs, warranties, registrations, titles, and loan papers.

Cell Phones - Cell phone agreements, correspondence, articles, or bills.

Manuals - Keep track of appliance, tool, toy, or computer manuals in a file folder.

Pets - Use a file folder to keep track of pet immunizations, health history, doctor records, pedigree's, and adoption or purchase papers.

Bank Statements - Keep all of your bank statements and bank correspondence organized in a file folder for easy access.

Tax Documents - Use one file folder for the current year tax filing and keep all of your receipts in this file. For prior year tax returns, move them along with other inactive files to a secure place away from your active files.

Frequent Flyer Programs - Use a file folder to keep track of your frequent flyer statements, agreements, and rules.

Insurance - Health, auto, life, renters, and mortgage insurance papers go here.

Warranties - Use a separate file folder to keep track of auto, appliance, computer, TV and any other warranties you may have on your household items.

Legal Documents – Keep all legal documents like wills, adoption agreements, divorce papers, and power of attonery agreements in a safe secure spot like a safe deposit box, but use a file folder to keep copies of your legal papers for quick access.

Mortgage Records - This is where you keep track of things like loan agreements, home titles, land survey's, and home inspection records.

Employment Records – Paystubs, contracts, benefit information

Investments – Stocks, statements, and bonds.