Paperwork disaster area - how do you deal with it?

[strawberrycornetto]

My DH and I are a disaster when it comes to filing and paperwork. This has culminated in me discovering I do not have the correct documents to prove residence for my daughter's school application. I am really upset about it and I know something has to change.

How do you manage? We have so much post and I just can't keep track of it all. I have tried putting everything important into one large box to be sorted at the end of the year but that's not working either. I am busy but so is everyone on here so that's no excuse. I need help and I know its spinning out of control.

I had the large box approach, but it only works if you really do put everything in it, otherwise the thing you really need will always be the one that's not there.

So I spent three days one half term setting up files in a filing cabinet - I have hanging files for broad subjects - eg utilities, then a cardboard folder inside that for each separate one - gas, water, phone etc.
We have a small nice looking cabinet in the sitting room for the stuff we need often, and more office type one in the study for the rest.

We have a letter tray where stuff goes when it comes in - top tray for 'need to do something about this now', middle for 'done that now file it' & bottom for 'keep it handy for reference' I try to go trough the filing tray every week - doesn't always happen, but I generally keep on top of it.

Have a file or box for each member of the family & just put all their docs in.

Deal with it as soon as it comes in.
Also file system.
Never let things pile up.
Designated office if you have space with filing cabinet and some pin boards for essential day to day info (school routines, dentists and so on.)

Have you looked at Organised Mum diaries and calendars and planners online? Despite naff name, they are great.

I have two concerteena (sp) type files and have headed each section. Things like credit card statements, I keep for 6 months then shred just to keep the bulkiness of the files down.

I have a filing tray in the kitchen of things that have been dealt with and a small to do pile on top of the microwave.

I have a big rind binder folder that I file bank statements, phone bills, credit card statement in etc. I file them once they arrive.

All the other stuff I pop into one of those a4 cardboard things. I do through about once a year and throw away the stuff I no longer need.

All our car stuff is in a seperate plastic folder.