Color Coding

Picture
How many times have you sorted through mounds of paperwork without finding the item you wanted? To save time, try color-coding your files. Your eye identifies color-coded files 40-45% faster than standard files.

Advantages:

  • Studies show that people can identify colors faster than words, as in the labels on a file.   
  • Colors stand out. For instance, if your desk is covered with papers, books and projects, a red folder is easy to spot among the sea of white paper.    
  • Color-coding is an excellent tool for individuals with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) to help identify the items.  Colors or symbols also aid people with dyslexia, who have difficulty with words.

Disadvantages:

  • Too many colors can complicate the system.  If your filing system is overly complex, simplify it before you introduce a color code.  If you forget what each color represents, tape an index card to the cabinet with a key for each color. 
  • Inconsistency can cause the system to fail.  For several years, I color coded my files.  Yellow files were for clients and green files were for accounts payable. At the beginning of the year, my files were beautiful. Then I got in a hurry.  By the middle of the year, there were red folders mixed in with yellow and green.  I would have to go through and reorganize the sections.  This is counter-productive.  Stay on top of the process and it will work much better.

Tips to maintain order with colors:

  • In your calendar, use a different colored pen for each person (boss, co-workers) or event.
  • You can color code your files by activity, geography, priority, or by any other criteria you choose.  
  • Color code the items in your house.  Coordinate your family's everyday accessories like a toothbrush, drinking glass, towel, bed sheets, clothes hamper etc. for easy identification.  Or, choose a color scheme for each room of the house.  Then, pillows belonging to the master bedroom don't wind up in the guest room.  Use different colors or patterns to indicate sheet size for easy identification of bed linens.  (i.e. Flowered linens are queen- size, striped linens are king-size.)
  • Code an activity.  For example, for the child that takes ballet, purchase a red sports bag, store files in a red file folder, and write their events in red on your calendar.   
  • Color code your keys.  Key covers can be found at any store. (e.g. red for work, blue for home, yellow for in-laws)

Copyright 2013 Nancy Miller
This article is free for reprinting provided terms and agreements are followed.
Nancy Miller, a professional organizer with over 20 years of experience coupled with a Certified Professional Coaching credential offers both personal and business consultation. Nancy’s credentials include past membership in the National Association of Professional Organizers and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. She delivers over 100 programs nationwide each year. Her book, Clutterology® Getting Rid of Clutter and Getting Organized is in it’s 4th Edition

GO BACK TO LIST OF ARTICLES