If you’ve been wondering how to organize papers at home, these paper storage ideas can help.
Organizing paperwork at home can be a challenge. And, to prevent it from getting buried in a pile or lost somewhere, you need to store it properly.
Below is a list of paper storage ideas that will keep your important documents, receipts, mementos, manuals and everything in between organized.
10 Paper Storage Ideas For Your Home
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File Box
A file box is a great way to store important documents when you don’t need much storage space.
Your documents will be contained in one area, kept dust-free and away from little people who might be tempted to scribble on them with crayons.
You’ll also be able to easily find what you need once you have your paperwork sorted properly.
If you’re storing important documents in one of these, consider getting a plastic one that’s waterproof.
Filing Cabinet
If you require more space than a single file box will offer, a filing cabinet may be your best bet. You don’t need a mammoth-sized one. There are smaller ones available that can easily tuck under any work surface.
Some have casters which means you can easily move them from one place to another, if necessary. Also, they have various finishes so you can get one that complements your decor. Most importantly, they offer added security because you can lock the drawers.
Hanging File Folders
In order to sort your papers into the file box or cabinet, you’ll need hanging file folders.
You can purchase all in one color and use colored labels to differentiate between categories at a glance or you can purchase folders of various colors.
Expanding File Folder
Expanding file folders are perfect portable storage solutions to sort papers you want to move around with.
They accommodate various sizes of paper and have lots of pockets you can use to separate documents. Use a smaller version for paperwork like receipts.
Magazine File Folder
You can use magazine file folders to corral magazines, books and you guessed it, papers.
I love to use these on my desk for papers and notebooks I reach for frequently. The contents don’t need to look picture-perfect because all I have to do is turn them around to hide the mess inside.
They’re available in a ton of colors and patterns. Some even have pretty cutouts.
Desk Paper Organizer
Sorting your paper according to what you need to do with it is a good way to stay organized. A desktop document letter tray organizer is a perfect way to do this.
It has multiple compartments that will allow you to separate paper as you see fit.
Memory Box
If you love holding onto memories such as love letters you received in the past, ticket stubs, photos or your child’s artwork, a memory box could be the paper storage solution you need.
Simply stash your mementos inside and label it so you know what’s in the box.
3-Ring Binders
Ever since school, I’ve personally loved 3-ring binders. I guess they make the organizer in me very happy. You can corral paperwork inside and subdivide it, if needed.
I use binders for everything from organizing recipes to keeping my craft patterns in one place.
Purchase the ring size depending on the quantity of paper that you plan to put inside. They are 1 to 6 inch ring sizes available.
Sheet Protectors
Sheet protectors do just what their name implies — they protect paper. I recommend inserting paper into these if they’re at risk for getting dirty e.g. recipes.
These come in a ton of sizes and can be used to organize anything from business cards to full letter-sized sheets of paper.
Hanging Paper Organizer
Hanging paper organizers take advantage of any vertical space you have available.
If you’re the type of person who forgets about paperwork when it’s out-of-sight, these will be suitable for you.
These paperwork organization ideas will help control paper clutter. Add one or more of them to your paper organization system at home.