No filing. Now there’s a thought. Unfortunately it is an essential part of business and there isn’t a well-run office that can function without a bit of ‘neat and tidy’. But in reality, unless you have a sorry pile of papers sitting limply on your desk in need of sifting & collating, it doesn’t count. If you file as you go it is purely an extension of your everyday back-office process. So what’s the secret? Here is a stellar tip to minimise your filing and it is so simple you will wonder why you had never thought of it before.

• Keep a stash of clear plastic folders and sticky labels within arms reach of your desk. Every project should have a plastic folder and every paper, document or scribbled note relating to that project slips inside making it is easy to find.

• Each time you start a new project, stick a label on your plastic folder in the top right hand corner and write the file name there. (You could type it but I suspect if you’re that way inclined you don’t need any organising tips from me but may need help with procrastination). Even if you end up with a pile of these folders on your desk the correct file can be found in a fraction of the time spent wading through a massive stack of unruly papers. (Just to note, this isn’t the objective but it’s better than the previous situation and at least you’ve tried!) If you want to take it a step further you can use coloured plastic folders that relate to particular areas of your business, for instance: clients / new business / finance / whatever.

• You also need a bunch of empty hanging files in your pedestal next to your desk that the plastic folders can slip in to. You can label these with the sticky labels too – don’t worry about those fiddly label holders that come with the hanging files.

That’s it! Just remember these 2 rules: Keep it simple; keep it close. By having your filing equipment within easy reach of your desk you will be more inclined to file as you go along and wave goodbye to that messy back-log of filing for good.