How do you store all your household paperwork?

[feedmenow]

I need ideas and I need them fast!

Have tried a few different methods over the years (filing cabinet, box files in cupboard, paper wallets in boxes, etc, etc) but just don't seem able to store my paperwork in a way that works.

How do other people do it? And how often do you file it all? And WHERE do you actually keep it - bedroom, living room?

Am so sick of piles of paper everywhere!

I would be lying if I said my method worked, as I keep nearly everything for years and years...

I am always afraid I'll lose something I need, as my life is not sorted yet and I don't know what I'll need when/if it ever is iyswim.

Old stuff in boxes in the cellar.

Newer stuff, in drawers in my desk, on top of desk with computer, or in a tray (currently on the floor)

I have a lovely large old filing cabinet, which only has one suspension file hanging rack (foolscap!) so have just bought some suspension files and am starting to file stuff into those.

The other three drawers are good for big paper, wrapping paper, bubble wrap etc etc. It's in the living room.

Oh and I have a blue carrier bag with really important things in, passport, birth certificates, photos of children's fathers etc - but I am f*cked if I know where it is...have just moved you see.

Like I knew before!

We have a filing cabinet in the study, a letter tray and a box for receipts. Then once a month week, I enter all the receipts onto our accounts spreadsheet and shred them, go through the letter tray and pay bills/act on/file/shred the accumulated post. The only flaw in the system is that once something goes in the filing cabinet, that's it - our bank statements go back years!

I have just got back from Ikea with one of those filing cabinet things that were mentioned earlier, as well as a nice A4 wicker basket thing for the dining table. As letters etc always end up there I thought I might as well have somewhere decent for them to go before they're sorted.

Well dh (who is the single most organised man I have ever met) uses a small filing cabinet in the puter room. Lots of dividers, one for personal docs, one for bank statements etc etc. He has a good shredding session every six months or so.

This thread is so timely, I have been spending my evenings for the last couple of weeks tackling the horrific amount of paper that has accumlated in our house over the years.

I've got rid of at least 6 recycling boxes (not including stuff for shredding) and now am left with small magazine files of stuff labelled Action, House Filing, DH personal and Minkus Personal. But was at a loss for what to do now- that ikea cabinet mentioned earlier is just the ticket. Can indulge my passion for stationery too. (The reason I am disorganised but love paper pens files folders and all things paperchase? I think that the things I buy are far too pretty to use!)