Easily Keep Computer Files Organized by Asking These 3 Things

We have been working with a client for the past couple of months, and we are nearing completion on digitally organizing her business and personal filing systems. But, she had a scare the other day.  Thing is she is overjoyed with how things are turning out, and was trying to determine how to keep things looking so clean after we stop working together.  

This is a common and natural reaction people have, after working with us: they get worried they won’t be able to keep up with the organization we finalized.  So we came up with three key questions to ask yourself whenever you file a document to help your digital life stay organized.

Question 1: What is this document for/about?

Every document has a purpose, and asking yourself this fundamental question will help you identify that purpose. This, in turn, will guide you as you store the document in the right place, ready to be found later.

Question 2: How will you use it or reference it later?

Specific documents may be matched with certain projects or actions. It’s helpful to put documents linked to one particular project or use together, so they can be easily discovered and put to use. Ask yourself how you will be using this document later on so that you are prepared ahead of time.

Question 3: Where would you look for it when you need it?

Documents should be easy to find, which means an intuitive filing system is required. But how do you build and retain this system? Try a little word association before you file something away — what would you associate this document with, or, if you couldn’t remember where you saved the file, what would be your go-to file folder when you search for it? Ideally, you’ll be able to search the file’s name, but if you can’t remember it, an intuitive file storage structure will help. 

Try out our digital organization services

Want to get your digital work and life in order? Schedule a free assessment with our team and find out what our organization services can do for you. You can also try one of our digital organizing courses — such as our Digital Photo Organizing Course — to discover more.