Home office file system

In addition to how detailed you want to get, it's up to you exactly how you choose to file all of this information. Don't let anyone tell you that one way is "the way". As I've stated before, we are unique individuals and what works for one person may not work for another.

So find a home filing system that works for YOU! You can use a filing cabinet or other type of filing box, plain or fancy file folders, accordion folders and notebooks just to name a few.

If you can, start early to manage your paperwork. It amazes me how much documentation four people can generate! When I was single, it wasn't a big deal. I had a large accordion file that held most everything. When I got married we had to try to combine our filing systems and methods. And now adding kids, our paperwork has expanded too! So the sooner you get yourself organized, the easier it will be to manage it in the future.

A little time spent now will save you time and sanity in the long run. You need to have your current files accessible for daily use. If you can't access them, you won't use them and you'll continue to have piles of paper to put away.

Your current files include a system for organizing unpaid bills, paid bills, current bank statements, tax receipts and papers for the current year. Other documents you need to keep easily accessible are employment records, credit card information, insurance policies, copies of wills, family health records, appliance manuals and warranties, educational records, social security and pension plan information, inventory of the contents of your safe deposit box at the bank, a household inventory , and an inventory of important family papers.

Your archived files include things that you don't need to access often, but that you need to keep on hand. They include past tax records, copies of valuable papers, information that you may need in the future regarding marriage, divorce, military, home ownership and things such as that. Something else to think about these days is that your home filing system could include your computer. Some of the filing categories are actually things that I know I keep on my computer, such as addresses. These files shouldn't be forgotten.

The ls command will show you your home directory. Browse around in there. Be careful. Just look around. Usually its best to create a file. That way, your configuration settings are not over-written when that application is updated. Create a Dot-files directory in your home directory, and in at least one external hard drive of some kind, where you can copy all your configuration files. Then, whenever you install Linux on a computer, you can copy and paste your configuration files into your new Linux machine.

Some files are sharable, some are not. Some files are static and others are variable. Sharable files can be stored on one host and used on another. Unsharable files cannot be shared. Static files are binaries, libraries, documentation files and others that do not change, unless you change them.

Variable files are files that the operating system changes while it is operating. It needs to be able to mount other file systems. It includes boot loader information, configuration files, utilities and other essential start-up data.

Keep your root filesystem as small as possible, to make it more compatible with other systems and easier to repair. Same with Kubuntu, naturally. This where Linux runs. It contains commands that are used by all users and are required when no other filesystem is mounted single user mode. Items that are only required by non-root users, such as the X Window System, chsh, etc. Configuration files are local files, which are static and not executable binaries, and are used to control the operation of a program.

This is where you can customize your LInux operating system. Now that you've divided your paperwork into the five categories, you can clear some space by discarding the papers you don't need.

Take out the recycling pile first, as this should be easy and just involve you dropping it into a recycling bin. Next, shred the sensitive documents you're getting rid of. When you're done, you only should have the papers you need to file left sitting in front of you. First, tackle the archive pile of paperwork. This pile can include very important documents, such as your passport or social security card.

So it's ideal to put these papers in a fireproof box or safe to protect them. Split your archive pile into subcategories for more efficient organization, such as academic, car, employment, financial, health, insurance, personal identification, and real estate documents. Use a labeled file folder for each of your subcategories. Then, put those folders into the safe, fireproof box, or other spot where you plan to keep them. Now it's time for your household paperwork pile. You can keep these papers in file folders stored in a filing cabinet or other accessible spot.

But many people prefer to keep their household papers in a binder with various sections and pockets. The main benefits of a binder is it doesn't take up much space, and it can be stored and moved to wherever you need it.

For instance, you could create a binder with sections for coupons, vouchers, and gift cards; rewards and loyalty cards; receipts you're still referencing; and user manuals you occasionally need to check. Divide the paperwork into categories that best fit your lifestyle. Finally, you'll address your action category of paperwork. Because these papers involve items that need to be addressed, it can be helpful to store them out in the open as a visual reminder for yourself, rather than tucked away in a filing cabinet.

A desktop inbox tray can be a good option for storing action paperwork, but you also can simply put the papers in a file folder that you keep accessible. You could divide your action paperwork into categories, such as bills, letters that need a response, etc.