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Angel Forum All-Star
Joined: April 22 2006
Online Status: Offline Posts: 2293
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Posted: Dec 30 2009 at 10:29am | IP Logged
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I'm sitting here surrounded by a sea of paper I don't really know what to do with -- printouts of blog posts, threads, curriculum I've found online, stuff I've written up as a guide to the next few years, catalogs -- etc., etc. I've culled and I'm left with stuff I want to keep. But my systems seem not to be working very well. My file crate has turned into a place to store the kids' work, and the file crates I put in my room beside my bed got books piled up on top of them so the files were hidden and therefore unusable. I'm not sure I have room for a filing cabinet, but that might be the answer.
How do you all deal with paper? I need to find some good way to do this, because I find myself printing out the same stuff year after year when I can't find it when I need it.
__________________ Angela
Mom to 9, 7 boys and 2 girls
Three Plus Two
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JodieLyn Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006 Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline Posts: 12234
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Posted: Dec 30 2009 at 11:30am | IP Logged
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i leave stuff on the computer as much as possible. I have "files" in my email program.. like recipes.. I have a folder for recipes and when I want to save a new one I make a draft for it and stick it in there.
I keep lists of all sorts in the draft folder.
Because I have email open all the time, it's very easy to use that way. You can also put links in and once the draft is saved the links are clickable.. very handy.
I have also had some luck with file folders on the end of a book shelf. Because that shelf generally stays pretty full they stay standing up no problem.. and thigns don't get piled on top of them either.
__________________ Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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DominaCaeli Forum All-Star
Joined: April 24 2007
Online Status: Offline Posts: 3711
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Posted: Dec 30 2009 at 11:42am | IP Logged
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My husband and I are compulsive filers, so a file cabinet is definitely what works for us. I do like having a lot of room in my files so I can be pretty specific in my file headings. If I just label something "Education," chances are the file will be bulging and I'll never end up using anything in it. If I am more particular in my labels, things are much easier to find when I need them and therefore get more use.
I do the same thing (specific labels) in my computer files, and I try not to print things until I actually am going to use them. Many times, I found I was printing things without a specific timeline for their use in mind, and I forgot about them before their time came. Now I leave them in computer folders/bookmarks and try to check there for ideas first before combing all the internet. That saves time and helps tame the paper clutter as well.
I feel like I'm STILL in search for the perfect system, though--I don't get as much out of the files I have as I would like to.
__________________ Blessings,
Celeste
Joyous Lessons
Mommy to six: three boys (8, 4, newborn) and four girls (7, 5, 2, and 1)
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ekbell Forum All-Star
Joined: May 22 2009
Online Status: Offline Posts: 747
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Posted: Dec 30 2009 at 4:33pm | IP Logged
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When I print out material I try to three-hole punch it and put it into a tanged report cover ASAP (I place consumable material or material I will later want to photocopy into sheet protector pockets). I then put it on a shelf with the other books or materials of the same type.
I find that this works better for me then filing loose papers. I can treat them as resource books (being able to read away from a workplace, while still being able to rearrange material.
The only problem I have had with this system is distinguishing one report from another of the same color without removing it from the shelves (I try to remember to put different patterns and colors of tape on the backs).
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JodieLyn Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006 Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline Posts: 12234
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Posted: Dec 30 2009 at 4:40pm | IP Logged
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Ekbell - what about those attachable tabs.. usually used inside a folder or book.. but if you put it on the spine of the report cover.. you would be able to read it without pulling out the folder.
__________________ Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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