The use of a color coding system to aid in the organization of things has proven successful in all avenues of business; from daycares to hospitals, color coding is an extremely useful organizational tool. Additionally, color coding can be attractive too, because you are adding color, albeit in a systematic way.

Color coding is most commonly used for files. Designating certain colors to certain files will create an easy way to store the files and an easy way to find them later on. This type of system is particular helpful when dealing with such documents as invoices. Past, present and overdue invoices can be divided up by color, making them easier to file and find if a customer inquires about past purchases. So, filing all past invoices in green files, present invoices in yellow files and past invoices in red files and then organizing each folder accordingly will prove to be an effective way to sort, store and find invoice documents. Setting up a system like this requires a little time, but in the end can be a real time saver and space saver, freeing up your desk for more important documents.

Color coding a physical inbox on your desk can also be very helpful. Creating a stacking system of trays that are color coded to different levels of urgency will help you to know which documents are most pressing. This system can also be helpful for co-workers because they will know where to put things on your desk to ensure that you will see and give attention to their documents.

Color coding is not restricted to just files; you can organize all the things on your desk according to color. Using colored bins or drawers, you can organize all your paper clips, rubber bands, staples, pens, or whatever into certain colors. Using colors to organize your desk area will not only be helpful, but you can choose your favorite colors so that not only will the system organize your desk, but it will also add decorative color.