Household document organisation checklist
Organise household paperwork into a system you can maintain: sort documents, protect originals, track actions and plan a regular review.

GATHER AND SORT
- Choose one drawer or pile rather than emptying every storage space
- Gather loose paperwork and identify documents needing action
- Group documents by use, such as identity, housing, work and household services
- Keep other household members’ records separate where appropriate
- Put unresolved questions in a small review folder
- Check official retention requirements before discarding documents

CREATE CLEAR STORAGE
- Label folders with simple names and a consistent date format
- Keep important originals in a suitable secure, dry place
- Scan copies you need for convenient access without assuming scans replace originals
- Check scanned pages are complete and legible before filing them
- Store digital copies in access-controlled folders and arrange a backup
- Dispose of unwanted sensitive papers through a suitable secure method

MAKE THE SYSTEM MAINTAINABLE
- Record deadlines separately so important actions are not hidden in folders
- Choose a single place for incoming paperwork
- Schedule a short regular session to process that incoming pile
- Explain the filing system to anyone who needs to use it
- Review who can access shared digital folders
- Review the system after a move or other major household change