Do you dump every file you create into your My Documents folder? Is it the digital equivalent to a messy 7-year-old’s room? Well never fear, the computer cleaner is here! (I can’t believe I just said that!)
Anyhow, the best way to keep things organized is not to create any documents in the first place, right? That’s not how the world works, though, so try setting up sub-folders inside the My Documents folder, instead.
Make one for each “category” of document that you have.
For example, you could have a folder for letters, one for invoices and so on. It makes keeping track of stuff much easier. Here’s how to set it up:
1. Click the Start>Documents. This will open your “My Documents” folder.
2. Now, create a new folder with an appropriate name (right-click any blank area and select New>Folder from the resulting menu).
3. Finally, drag any documents that belong in that folder to it, and that’s it! You can create as many of these little sub-folders under the “My Documents” folder as you need.
Oh, one final suggestion – you may want to make yearly folders too. For example, at the end of this year, make a folder called “2012 Docs”. Then move everything you’ve made (folders and all) into that folder. Gives you a fresh start for the new year. (OK, so it’s the Windows equivalent of shoving toys under the bed, but who cares? It works!)
Now, if only I could apply this technique to my daughter’s room…
~Steve