The latest Abode software is great for merging files, searching, etc. I have used it at work. Personally, I learned a lesson from Quicken and lost data, because I did not keep up with their revisions from 2002 to 2008. Also, all my Kodakgallery.com albums moved to Shutterfly.com as a result to the sale. This post probably should be about scanning to organize personal records, but I’m not there yet.
I have had my grandfather’s cherry writing desk as long as I can remember. When we got our first personal computer in the 1990s, a modern style desk was part of the package. The PC is long gone and the computer desk now has a flat screen TV. For a few years, my home office was the writing desk and bookcases. That was until two years ago, when I had a new addition to the guest room.
Almost new desk
One of my favorite things, is being able to have my Macbook Pro and iPad charging on the keyboard tray while only my old laptop takes desktop space. I did round-up many files, etc. However, getting to the title of this post….my system is more like “buckets”…with handles to grab and go…..medical, financial, home and work.
“bucket” files
Yes, this is old school. First things first. My original system used notebooks, after 25 years…that did not hold up. So, this week my current “buckets” met old “notebooks” to merge into $20 worth of hanging files for a comprehensive sort.
elfcroft 
Systems always seem to have a way of outgrowing their usefulness. I, too, used notebooks, then folders. I always seemed to have files in the archives. While taking an online course for Office 2000, I discovered One Note. (Insert angelic music here) The appeal of an electronic “notebook” combined the best of both worlds. I’ve spent many days scanning documents and shredding paper. It’s a liberating experience! I’m getting ready to attack the pile of old tax returns…going back to my first part-time job in 1973!
You are ahead of me and behind me. I like One Note, but have not used it since getting MacBook. Scanning is in my future. Our tax files go back to 1989.
My exercise was timely, because we got the original 1991 measurements of our skylights to be replaced. Reassuring!