One screenshot here, a work document, a picture you save, your downloads that just keep happening and your computer is now a junkyard where all the garbage you have got gets dumped. 

Everything can be going smoothly even with all that disorganization until a hard drive crashes or a malware infects the systems. It could even be that you clicked on delete mistakenly. 

All you have kept would be gone.

There is need for you to follow a rule where you have a main folder that you keep every document, then you a single organizing rule, and you have backups.

If you are always making downloads ensure that you are doing them and sorting them immediately like you would after a télécharger betwinner - instead of letting the “Downloads” folder turn into a swamp.

The “One Folder, One Rule” Principle

You are not trying to make a folder that is perfect. 

It is just needed to last long. You are to create one folder that would be the master folder and then you either put things in it either based on usage or based on project. 

A Folder Structure That Works for Both Work and Personal Use

When you choose your rule, it is time for you to also choose the structure. 

A good structure goes with a rule but there is a trap that some people fall into: they start to create many subfolders because they are trying to be careful. Doing that may prove to be detrimental. 

00_MY_FILES/

├─ 01_ADMIN (documents, contracts, invoices)

├─ 02_PROJECTS (clients, websites, campaigns, content)

├─ 03_MEDIA (images, videos, audio, templates)

├─ 04_TOOLS (installers, licenses, config files)

├─ 99_TO_SORT (quick intake, weekly sorting)

If you work with this structure, which we recommend to you, then you will notice that it absorbs everything.

The Golden Rule of File Naming: Find Files Without Opening Them

If you do the right thing with the folders, productivity starts and you can begin to see more when you start to name the file right. 

A good file name is important if you are going to find the document that you are looking for fast and without any hassle. 

Your computer is going to sort everything for you if you follow this format. 

The good thing is the fact that your brain is no longer going to need to remember everything - you can just use the CTRL+F button to search for the file quickly and easily. 

Backups

Backups are there so that you can easily retrieve data if anything goes wrong. There is the chance that the organizing is great but you still need the backup system. 

What’s best is to follow the 3 copies, on different media, with 1 stored off-site rule. 

• Copy 1: Your computer which is there for your day-to-day work and use. 

• Copy 2: A cloud service (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)

• Copy 3: An external hard drive (plugged in for backups, then stored away)

If you stick to this setup, your files will be protected and if you need to get any of them back after a mistake, you will have them waiting for you. 

Small Habits You Should be Taking

You need to know that if you have the best structure, you are not guaranteed a smooth process still.

That is why there are a few habits that you should be carrying out from time to time so that everything continues to run smoothly. 

Doing all of these for two weeks will show you the difference it can make. You are going to be less worried about your files and your computer is going to feel safe and secure.