It's a modern mystery: Why, in today's fast-moving world of emails and PDFs, do we not have less paper to file? Piles just keep growing! How could this be? Perhaps, finding ourselves staring at our computer monitors all day means we no longer notice the mountains of paper gradually building us into the space.

At DYMO, we've always provided people with useful tools and simple steps to tame cluttered desktops. We'd like to help you tackle the problem. After all, a good filing system can make all the difference in your job - preventing all that wasted time losing and looking for important work. Just imagine reaching for a document, knowing it will be there. Here's how to get there.

1. Purge your files. Look in your file drawers right now and you'll find papers that are outdated or not needed. Toss them. If you're not sure, just create an "archive file" in a Rubbermaid Roughneck File Box, then label it with a final date, using the versatile DYMO LabelManager 150 and colorful "½" wide DYMO D1 tape.
2. Develop a filing system by creating paper piles on your desk. You'll see from the piles you create if it's best to organize the system by client or type of job. Sure enough, a pattern will quickly emerge.
3. Label file folders when you start, to make filing easier. Use the DYMO LabelManager 150 (see below) and watch your sorting accelerate.
4. Color-code specific folders to locate special materials. This works best if you reserve two or three colors for specific file types: Perhaps red for "Pending," gold for "Travel Arrangements," and black for "Clients." To keep your system simple, try to limit yourself to no more than three colors.
5. Keep your most frequently consulted files in your desk file drawers or in a Rubbermaid Metal Fold 'n' RollTM Cart System. This rolling file holder will fit under your desk or close to it.
6. Archive old, unused files, and limit your active files to two drawers. If you start eyeing a third drawer, it's a sign that you need to review your active files and either archive or toss them.
7. File now. In other words, file all the time. Never wait. The point of filing is to keep your work area as organized as possible, at every time of the day. If it's not worthy of filing, toss it. As soon as something comes to your attention, read it and file it - carefully. The longer a document sits around, the greater chance it has of being misplaced or just hidden. And if you let papers sit until you have a pile, you'll likely misfile something. Finally, "frequent filers" are much happier each morning, entering a clutter-free office with a clean desktop.
8. Keep confidential information secure. Many files contain information that is not for public access, such as client and personal data. When confidential papers are not filed immediately, the likelihood of them falling into the wrong hands is increased.
9. Label your files neatly and accurately. Nothing's more wasteful than filing carefully, then not labeling the file itself. For the utmost in labeling satisfaction, use the lightweight and versatile DYMO LabelManager 150.
10. Never overstuff a cabinet. Avoid cramming paper into each drawer, as individual sheets will be harder to retrieve and just may fall to the level below. As a general rule, leave a full four inches of free space in each drawer.
11. Store several empty file folders at the front of your most accessible file drawer. This way, you'll be ready to start a new folder quickly and easily. And to make sure you label as you go; be sure to keep your DYMO LabelManager 150 within arm's reach. If you say "I'll label it later," you probably won't.
12. Label the general contents of each file drawer on the outside front. Just like labeling your files, this will save you time, day after day.
13. Open only one drawer at a time, especially the upper drawers. Most filing cabinets have this safety measure built in, but your safety is important to us so be sure not to have several drawers open simultaneously, particularly when full, as this can cause your cabinet to tip towards you.