When you first power on your computer, what do you see? Is it a jungle of folders and files? Do you have a “to store” folder as well?
Having an unorganized computer filing system is causing you more harm than good. If you just had a proper way to file things, you know your productivity would increase. You want an approach that isn’t too complex and something you can repeat over and over again without fail.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything about organizing computer files. Read our blog post below to get you started on the right track again.
Clean Desktop
The first rule of organizing computer files is to declutter your computer and have a clean desktop. You don’t want to clutter up your desktop with a bunch of unnecessary files. All you need on your desktop is the trash bin.
It may make sense to have a file or two living on your desktop temporarily. Until you have a proper home for the files, it can be used as a quick placeholder. When you sign in to your PC, all you want to see is your high-resolution wallpaper.
Folder System
For optimal productivity in the digital space, it makes sense to have a hierarchy of folders. When deciding on how to do so, you want to take a minimalist approach.
If you come back to the same folder to save files constantly, it makes sense to add another layer to organize your computer files. You want to take advantage of sub-folders for complete computer ownership.
Name Game
When you name files and folders, you want a simplistic approach. Think about when you search for something in a search engine. The more refined you can be, the higher chances you have of finding exactly what you’re looking for.
For example, if you are a freelancer and want to organize your invoices, how would you name them? You don’t want to always name your files and folders “Invoices”, do you? Instead, use the clients’ names and dates as well.
You could have files and folders that read “2021-06_AppleInvoice.pdf”.
You want to think of your future self when naming. Think to yourself, what terms would I use to search for this file or folder.
For help on organizing your legal documents, have a look here.
Project-Based
Every project or client, whether for business or personal, ought to have a dedicated folder. Within each project, each necessary and relevant file will live.
You want a dead-simple approach here, so don’t overthink it.
A top-level folder is an ideal approach for multiple projects for the same client. You could separate project folders for each client.
When organizing computer files, you want to avoid general file names, folders, and duplicates.
Back It Up
It’s always a good idea to backup your files. You never know if your computer will fail and your hard drive becomes toast.
Cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox offer a good solution. You could have an external hard drive or thumb drives.
One of the worst feelings is to wake up one morning and see that your computer is corrupted or your laptop is stolen. Have a second layer in those cases will save you the heartache.
Continue Organizing Computer Files
Is your computer starting to look more organized yet? When you have a proper system in place, your digital life will feel so much more streamlined.
Organizing computer files will save you time in the end too. No longer will you think you have trouble finding just what you need.
For more tech tips and tricks, make sure to browse through our blog!
