How do you store your documents etc?

[Packar]

How do you store your documents and important papers?

I appreciate much of this is online these days but I'm old school and like paper. So I'm thinking of household policies, tax, receipts, investments, passport etc.

I'm quite minimalist so don't want a filing cabinet and currently have things in plastic wallets, but they don't stack well and I can't immediately tell what's inside.

I'd ideally like something lightweight that I can line up in a cupboard and their spines show the contents yet can't find anything that fits the bill. Don't want ring binders - rather something I can easily shove papers into.

Any suggestions?

I have ring buiders with plastic pockets, as you can put things away quickly and ensure things are in chronological or alphabet order. (Important to me! 🤪)

I used to use those carboard folders but then things seem to get out of order. ( I think the documents must slither about at night chatting to each other.)

You can get metal documents cases that are supposed to be fireproof

I use something like this and label each of the sections. Easy to pop away in a cupboard or under a desk.

I don't think this will suit you but in 20 drawer cabinets (I have three, but I also have a study/home office to keep them in - soften it a bit by having a nice lamp, a plant and a framed black and white photograph on it). That's where I store spare batteries, stationery, paper and various other items too.

I would put your plastic wallets in magazine files to keep them neat or buy rigid document boxes (firesafe for the super important ones). Scan and shred documents where the original isn't required.

https://www.bisley.com/shop/39-series-multidrawer-matching-handles-2/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/JUNDUN-Fireproof-Waterproof-Documents-Certificate/dp/B0BWYBYW94

Something like this if you don't have much?

I've seen one filing 'method' where you just use box files and put stuff into the box as it arrives. So oldest at the bottom /newest right on top. Then a new file per year, or as and when it gets full.

That's more for stuff you just keep in case, rather than things you need to refer back to often.

I have a fireproof safe for all our passports, birth and marriage certificate and foreign currency. Everything else gets filed into a small filing cabinet under suitable headings. I also take a photo of some documents and store them online too for convenience eg National Insurance Number, passport, driving licence, RAC membership and car insurance in case I ever need to prove I have them.