In a mess about A-Z organisation on my computer

[macgrl]

Hello all,

I organised all my physical files in alphabetical order and keep a little guide about what things are under what (for example does gas bill go under G or under H for house or under B for bills etc)

Is there a simpler way do do this on my computer as I have so many more files for so many more things - is it just personal preference as to how you decide file things....for example in my case amongst other things I manage some rental properties so I could have a file name houses with sub files for each property or I could have a file for each house under the letter for the name of the house....what is the best way? Is there a best way as it is driving me nuts and then when I come to look at the file I can't remember where it is an have to go hunting..ok it will only be in one of two or three places so I guess it's not so bad. Any thoughts appreicated

[kglade]

I use a rule of thumb that if I can find it in less than 60 seconds, it is filed properly. Don't let the pursuit of perfection in your system distract you from getting important things done.

On a computer, the search tools make finding files much easier, and then it matters less which folder you put it in. Some people choose to file everything in one folder and rely on the search tools to find everything. I don't, but this is really a personal preference.

When deciding which folder to file something in, I ask myself where will I think of first? Whatever pops into my head becomes the location. In the future, when I am looking for something, most likely the same first location will pop into my head then, too.

Just as important is the file name. I often receive files with non-helpful names, like "screenshot 2012-01-13," or "A542396." There is no way I will remember what this is when I am searching for it in the future. I rename to make the searching easier.

[ellobogrande]

It is a matter of personal preference but I try to stick to the A-Z file system on my computer. Start by deciding a "root" location for your filing system. It can be "My Documents" or any location you prefer; just make sure you can get there easily. Then, as files are added to the system I create a folder by theme, topic person or project and add the file to the folder; just like a paper system.

If you have files that could belong in multiple locations you can store a file in one folder and create shortcuts to it in others; a nice cross-referencing technique.

Sometimes capabilities can turn into hazards. Just because you can nest folders within each other doesn't mean that you should. I have a few nested folders where they make sense, but I usually don't do more than 1-2 layers deep.

Good luck.

[Suelin23]

Always ask yourself - where would I think to look first?
For me I tend to think of the general word first eg bills and rental properties, then break down into smaller divisions.
However for some areas I find it better to have special storage separate to the general reference, eg I have a hardcopy folder for all bills and account statements next to my inbox to make budgeting and bill paying quicker and easier. Similarly I have a recipe box on my desk to make meal planning easy.

[mcogilvie]

I do electronic filing of project materials by area of focus. It's just easier to look at shorter directory listings to find what I want.

[enyonam]

Ditto on using my areas of focus and responsibility. I start at the highest level where I have:

Health
Play
Relationships
Spirit & Service
Wealth

Instead of having "Work" at this high level I break down that category by areas of focus & responsibility even at this first level of folders. So I do:

<company abbreviation> Client Projects
<company abbreviation> Business Development
<company abbreviation> People
<company abbreviation> Operations
Public Speaking Projects

... and so forth

I have 2 folder levels maximum. And it seems to work for me. I also rename files when I save them so once I look into a folder I don't have a major problem finding the file.

The biggest lesson I've learnt with the file structure is to give yourself time to get used to whatever you brainstorm rather than keep changing it looking for the elusive 'intuitive' structure and naming convention.

[cwoodgold]

A lot of it is personal preference. When I search in several places before finding a
physical folder, sometimes I'll move it to the first place I looked, on the theory that
next time I'll also probably look there.

Ideally a name for a file represents a concept that will result in a good number of
things in a folder: Usually more than one page but less than several inches thick.
Ideally it also fits in with the rest of your system: e.g. if most people are filed
under their last name, it might be better to avoid filing a few under their first name.

I have a file on my computer to help me find physical files. I use the vi editor.
When I file something, I try to think of several different keywords or phrases I
might use to search for it (like e.g. "gas bill", "house, gas", "paid bills" "heating", etc.)
and I type in all of those words and phrases into a line of text, under the letter
of the alphabet where it's actually physically filed. Then when I want to find it,
I just use the vi search function to search for one or two keywords, and usually
easily find it. Even if the first one or two keywords I tried aren't there (e.g.
"utilities"), the second or third one I try probably is. Searching in vi like this is
very fast, much faster than looking for physical files.

Tending to have different ideas at different times about where to file something
could be a sign of a creative mind, constantly seeing things from different points
of view and thinking up new ideas. Makes filing more difficult, but could help
in other areas.