The Chatter

I have been an administrative assistant for seven and a half year. And in that seven plus years I have never used a tickler file system. Well not a formal tickler file system. I have resisted it for some reason. I don’t really know why. But Friday, I finally gave in and set up a tickler file system.

I had to get new office desk drawer units. So with my new desk drawers I had the chance to re-organize everything. I love an organized office. I am an office supply geek. So I’m not certain why I resisted the tickler file system. Since the tickler file combines two of my favorite things– office supplies and office organization.

So to the office supply cabinet I went. To set up my tickler file I took out twelve hanging file folders and labeled them January through December. Next I took out thirty-one regular file folders. Each folder is numbered individually 1-31 for each day of the month. The system works in that the numbered folders are used in the current months hanging file (example month file April –folders 1-30) folder. The numbered folders are moved each month. The other months are there for items to be added as they come in and are filed in the month to be completed. As an example, in the mail today received a letter from an organization I know I will need to correspond with in December. The letter and the return envelope are now filed in my December folder. So this will save me time hunting the address in December.

This week is my first week using the system, however, I know I am going to love it. When I get to my desk every morning I take out the folder with that days number on it. There are the items that need my attention for that day.

As an additional organization tool - I took a copy of our office calendar and filed each months calendar in the appropriate months hanging file.

Why did I resist this system for so long?

Prudenceshops