Piler versus filer: Tips for home office organization

We all know someone whose office is a fire hazard. Whose leaning piles of paper defy the laws of physics and yet, they are able to put their hand on any document or piece of information at a moment’s notice. Conversely, there is also someone at the office whose desk is perfect example of bare minimalism. Maybe your spouse drops their keys, coat, papers, mail, etc. when they come in the door and you are inclined to put everything away (much to their chagrin!) These are the classic differences between a “Piler” and a “Filer.” It would be a boring world indeed if everyone were the same, but is it possible to bridge the gap between two such different personality types? You too can learn to be organized regardless of whether you pile or file.

The Classic Piler

Pilers are often artistic souls; they suffer under regimented schedules and too many rules. They are often perfectionists and are worried if they file things, they might do it incorrectly or perhaps not be able to find what they put away for safekeeping. They are visual people — that is, they like things out in the open, where they can see them. They like visual clues as reminders of tasks that need doing. Perfect order makes Pilers a little nervous. “Where is everything?” they might ask, if you were to tidy their space for them.

The Filer

Whereas the Filer might say, “Thank you for putting everything away, it looks so nice and tidy!” Filers might have closets and drawers stuffed to capacity, but at least everything is in its place and appears organized on the surface. Filers don’t like clutter and seeing a pile of paper is an upsetting situation for them.

How to Help a Piler

• Keep things visual. Use attractive baskets to house papers that need attention, bills to be paid and stuff to be accomplished.

• Use colours and Post-It-Notes to label papers in an eye catching way lest you forget critical documents and deadlines.

• Use credenzas and shelving to lay out your frequently used piles and have them at your fingertips if needed.

• Regularly sort through your piles to discard obvious trash.

• I purchased a “multi-tiered document sorter” for a client who I think cried tears of joy when she saw it. Embrace the organizing products that make your piling heart sing!

How to Help a Filer

• Embrace the Filer in you and create a truly beautiful filing system that any secretary would be proud of! However, don’t bother keeping information that is readily available online; you don’t need the last 10 years of paid power bills.

• Try taking things to the next level by going paperless and perfecting your online filing system.

• Remember to choose file names that you will naturally adhere to or look under when in search of that one particular document. Also, avoid over-categorizing, generalize if it makes more sense to do so.

• Don’t forget to purge regularly as sometimes we have filed everything away so efficiently, we forget it is there!

Whatever your paper personality, love who you are and don’t try to change it; you’ll just frustrate yourself if you try to fit a square peg in a round hole. Embrace your natural tendencies and don’t forget to purge and shred regularly!

Dartmouth’s Lisa Macdonald is a member of the Professional Organizers of Canada. Referred to as “Halifax’s Answer to Martha Stewart,” her organizing work consists of seniors downsizing, move management, estate organizing, setting up filing systems for small businesses, helping busy professionals and working with families to create a calm and clutter-free existence. Contact Lisa for a complimentary consultation at www.allorganized.ca.