Of course you can make any folders to whatever applies to you. I find this to be easiest and fastest way to get organized with paperwork, if not least expensive. I also recommend buying a medium to large size bulletin board and putting all of most important things on there that you always forget you have. Things like important phone number, coupons, reminders, and more can go there easily. It is also a great place to hang children's artwork if you have small children.

The next method is a little less efficient, but can work wonders for those on a tight budget. First get several medium to small size boxes that have separate lids, and either get several yards of fabric, or you can even use old clothes with interesting patterns. Get a hold of some fabric glue (the best kind to use is spray kind). Then cut fabric to cover outside of box, and also lid. Glue fabric to boxes securely, and let dry. Then using 3X5 cards, label each box as needed.

Examples:

"UNPAID BILLS" "PAID BILLS" "MISC" "TO DO" "IMPORTANT PAPERS"

I have created several very pretty floral boxes using this method, and you can even add pictures of loved ones, pictures cut from magazines, sequins, or anything else you can think of. The stack boxes, and add papers to their respective boxes as needed. Simple and effective!

Another good thing to use when organizing your papers are folders, as in kind kids use in school, with a pocket on each side. They come in many different styles, and can be useful in keeping together slips of information, and things you need to put away but do not yet have time. I personally always keep a plastic tray on my desk for "papers that need to be put away", either in boxes or file cabinet drawers, so that I can put them a way when I have a spare moment, yet they won't get lost.

It is always good to keep several plain boxes in your basement or storage area, and label them by year (i.e. "1997" "1998" "1999" "2000",ect.), and at end of each year, go through where you keep your paid bills and receipts, and place every each in box for prior year. That way your box or file cabinet won't get stuffed full, and yet you will have these items on hand in case of an audit or other dispute.

I hope these home office tips help you, and it is always best to think of your home office just as you would a business office. Pretend you are secretary keeping things in place to run a business, and you will never go wrong.

Also, you can easily clean a mousepad with regular dish detergent and warm water. Just scrub pad with dish soap, rinse well with water, and pat dry with a paper towel!

A mouse is easily cleaned by removing cover from in front of ball, taking out ball, and cleaning out any dirt inside with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol.

You can also save time and money in a home office in high traffic carpet areas, and places where sliding chairs sit by purchasing heavy plastic floor mats made for this purpose (just like you see in office building) at your local office supply superstore, such as Staples. This will make your floor cleaning so much easier, and will extend life of your carpet.

To give your office a quick lift if you have artificial flowers or plants is to spray pants directly with an aerosol air freshener. Not only does it make leaves instantly shiny, it also leaves a pleasant scent that will last.

If you own a pet, like I do, and you are constantly trying to remove pet hairs from chairs in your home office, a simple way to remove them is to wrap clear shipping tape backwards around your hand, sticky side out, and pat away at chairs. An even simpler and faster way is to use an old paint roller, wrapping tape backwards around it, and rolling it quickly across furniture to remove hair. The tape can be reused until it has lost its stickiness.

Remember, motivation and perseverance are keys to a clean home! Stay focused, and best of luck!