The Posh Blog

Recently I was interviewed by Erin Gentry of Rubbermaid’s Adventures in Organization blog.  In the interview, I discussed such topics as what inspired me to become a Professional Organizer, the most common issue facing my clients, my biggest personal orgainzing challenge, and the one tip I would give anyone trying to get and stay organized.

You can read the whole article by clicking here.

Angela

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

I was in one of my favorite stores yesterday, Office Max, and I learned about a new service they offer.  You can now take your confidential documents to Office Max for shredding.  How great is that!  I did ask if this was a national service and I was told yes, but I would recommend that you check with your local Office Max before you load your car with paper.

Here’s how it works: 
You bring in the paper you need shredded.  You pay $0.59/pound of paper you have.  Drop the paper in a secure locked box, similar to a mail box at the Post Office.  A shredding company comes to the store regularly and shreds the documents on-site.  I was told the Office Max employees do not have the key to open the locked box, only the shredding company can open the box.  I was also told an Office Max employee monitors the shredding process to ensure all documents are being shred. 

If you don’t have a shredder at your house, I like this idea because it is quick and simple.  You can keep a SMALL box that you designate as your shred box, where you can add items to it each week.  At the end of the month take the box to Office Max. 

If you are going through old files and you have a high volume of paper to shred then I would consider calling a shredding company directly.  If you are in the Austin area I recommend Central Texas Secure Shredding.  You can take your boxes to them or they can pick up from you.  The cost at Central Texas Secure Shredding is approximately $50-60 for six boxes of paper. 

Here’s to clearing out your old files securely!

Angela

If you’ve read my blog you know how I love the FreedomFiler filing system, see my previous post Give Your Files a Little Love  and Archive Your Files Month.  It is a unique system that helps you file paper in your home based on how long you need to keep the paper.  Every paper is filed with the end in mind.  Your files will not be stuffed full again because as you add new documents the FreedomFiler will guide you in removing the old ones that you no longer need!  Click here  to watch a video on how it works. 

If you think the FreedomFiler can help you then you’re in luck.  FreedomFiler is offering a special coupon code between now and April 15th to help you get your tax paperwork for next year organized.  E-mail me at info @ theposhspace. com and I can send you the special coupon code.  Hurry you only have two days left to take advantage of this special offer.

Happy filing,

Angela

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

It’s February the month for love and romance.  But did you know it is also archive your files month?   Yes, it’s time to show your files a little love!  So what does archive your files mean anyway? 

If you don’t have a system in place for consistently purging and cleaning out your files on a regular basis you will probably get to a point where your file cabinet may be overflowing and stuffed with paper.  If this is the case for you then you may need to archive some of the files that you do not use or need on a regular basis.  If you don’t use the paper or files at least once a year then you can place the documents in a file cabinet or container in a closet, garage, attic, basement, etc.  Some examples of papers you can archive include your old tax files, old tax returns, and a limited amount of mementos or memorabilia.  

The files you keep nearby in your home or home office should be the files you need to get to on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.  You can take this opportunity to go through all your files and shred or toss out anything that is old and out of date.

Of course I recommend using the FreedomFiler filing system to help you get started with a paper filing system that will let you know how long to keep different types of paper and has built in systems that help you know when it is time to purge items.  It’s a fantastic product. 

Happy archiving!

Angela

Copyright (C) 2010 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

We all know that less is the new more.  Simple and understated has now replaced big and over extravagant.  But you don’t have to sacrifice style and beauty for functionality.  You can have both style and function while remaining simple and understated. 

One area where I see this a lot is in file containers.  Many of my clients do not want to bring in the oh so dreaded monstrous metal file cabinet.  AHHHH!!!  For many people they may not have the space for such a large obtrusive piece in their home.  People often get excited about finally getting organized and adding a new filing system to help them corral the paper, but they get stuck with determining where the new files will go.  So what’s a space challenged and style conscious person to do? 

Here are a few products I have found to that are smaller than the standard file cabinet but can do the job in a more attractive way. 

1. Bristol Storage Stool from The Container Store 

This is pretty cool.  There are many people who need to have files handy in their living space but want to keep them concealed.  Here is a cleaver and stylish way to do that.  The Bristol Storage Stool can be used for general storage or can hold letter sized hanging files.  It has a padded top and you could group two or more of them together to make a side table or coffee table.  This product is perfect for a living area or home office.  Priced at $79.00 each.

2. File Box with Hinged Lid from Crate and Barrel

Sized at 14″x13.5″x12″H this box can sit on a shelf, desktop, or tuck underneath a desk.  These boxes are stackable and sturdy and come in a brown faux leather finish.  I like these boxes because they have the cutout handles which make them easy to carry and include hanging bars to hold your letter sized hanging file folders.  Priced at $69.95 each available at Crate and Barrel.

Keep in mind that the average household will need at least a two drawer file cabinet, and I have personally found that most families need at least three drawers.  So you may need to purchase 2-4 of these smaller file storage containers depending on the number of files you have and complexity of your filing system. 

What do you use to store your home files? 

Enjoy stylish filing!

Angela

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.

February is officially Archive Your Files Month.  How funny is that?!  I actually think this is a little premature.  With the majority of my clients I use a filing system called the FreedomFiler.  This filing tool is unlike anything else available, trust me I have looked.  With the FreedomFiler you file things based on the length of time you need to keep them.  What an amazing concept!  The FreedomFiler also reminds you when it is time to purge paper and in many case you are easily and effortlessly tossing paper each month.  I love this because it keeps your filing cabinet from getting stuffed with old out of date information and it prevents you from having to do an annual purge of your files or from having to archive many files at all.  

In fact, with the FreedomFiler the only files you are archiving are your old tax files.  These files are also saved based on the length of time you need to keep them.  So each year after you file your taxes you will then add your completed tax records to your archived files and you will also be removing old records and purging them.  Again, this is great because it keeps you purging items each year.  This promotes archiving your files after your taxes have been completed. 

If you don’t have a FreedomFiler, I highly encourage you to get one, but I would advise you to be very selective on the files you are archiving.  Why are you archiving the documents?  Do you really need them?  Will you ever reference them again?  Keep in mind that 80% of the papers we file are never referenced again.  My second piece of advice is to store the files you are archiving in a filing cabinet or in plastic file boxes.  If possible do not store your archive files in cardboard boxes.  The chances of you paper withstanding pests and water damage is higher if the paper is stored in plastic file boxes or in metal filing cabinets.   

In honor of Archive Your Files Month I am extending a special discount to anyone who purchases a FreedomFiler in the month of February.  This is the only time I have offered this discount! Call or e-mail me for my special coupon code if you would like to order your FreedomFiler online. 

Also, now through February 28th only, if you purchase a four hour FreedomFiler Session you will receive your FreedomFiler at no charge!  You will also receive a special bonus, the POSH Space Favorite Products Guide.   Savings and bonuses worth $67!   

A file cabinet that actually closes, now that’s the good life! 

Enjoy,

Angela  

Copyright (C) 2008 Angela Ploetz, POSH Space  www.theposhspace.com.