Wondering the question of How to Go Paperless? Well, today I am sharing 3 better ways to store your files. Have you ever lost photos or files? Not only the “oops I deleted it and it’s gone”, but your USB broke or you forgot about some files on the computer before pressing factory restart.
I don’t know why, but I have had the worst experiences with my photos and files on my laptop in the past. I would think that I would learn my lesson, however, this idea of me keeping pictures and folders sitting on a USB or my computer just has not been working out for me even though I have been raving about it in my post How to Go Paperless – 3 Ultimate Methods For Anyone. My new solution? The cloud.
Why Should You Use Cloud Services to go Paperless with your Digital Files
To be completely honest, I wasn’t on board with the cloud option for a very long time. I was terrified that it was too accessible. It’s nice to be able to have your files on the go, however, my fear was if someone were to steal my phone or laptop or tablet and now they have the same access as I do. That is if they are a super hacking genius, of course.
However, I have had enough of losing my precious documents and memories. I needed a better solution to keep my digital files and photos close, safe and accessible. It’s clear that I no longer want to live in the fear of worrying about my things disappearing into thin air and then googling my fingers off to see if there is any way possible to retrieve it. I have been there. One time, I have even gone to a company to see if they could fix my USB to find my things and no luck. So, I am going to float myself to a cloud service.
What are the Benefits of Storing your Digital Stuff on a Cloud Service:
Let’s talk, real talk shall we? Going paperless has been so beniefical to me and that is all because of using a cloud service. Here are some benefits of using one:
- Automatic Back-Up: Stop worrying about losing your files, USB or your computer gets set by factory reset because it is already backed up and waiting for you!
- Accessibility: On vacation, at work, sitting in a doctor’s office or just at home or a friend’s place. You can access your files, photos, videos and more with your phone, tablet and computer.
- Phone Sync: Another thing that I love is that my phone gallery can easily sync and send photos I have just taken straight to a folder on my cloud service. So if something were to go wrong with my phone, I don’t need to worry about photos going missing.
Here are the Best Cloud Storage Places:
One Drive
One Drive is what I am using the most in my life. It is by far my favourite tool and I can honestly say is my best friend when it comes to holding my files, photos and more. I like that I can use it on my iPad on the subway, at home and have my photos automatically sync to it from my phone so that it is safe. It is great! It is also integrated with Windows so you can create word documents.
It really is the hub for everything I need for my blog, business and life. If you are considering it, I would recommend extra storage space because it is affordable and gives you more to work with. Through all the years that I have been using OneDrive, I still haven’t hit the max of my storage amount. It is completely worth getting! It is the number one source to keep me paperless.
DropBox
I have had a Dropbox account for a few years now but mostly have solely used it for my blog printables in the past. What I used it for was a storage place to keep all my printables there, in one place. It is easy to share with all my readers and link up my posts whenever I need to share them. I love it because it is easy to share and upload. It doesn’t take much effort or thinking to really get everything you want onto it.
Google Drive
Another cloud service you can use for going paperless is Google Drive. I find that I am using Google Drive a lot more. When I first started my blog, I used it in a different way than storing my digital photos. In the past, it was the spot where I created my link party information and use it to provide how-tos and templates for my link party co-hosts.
Nowadays, I use it for creating form sheets for my audience and business to fill out for testimonials. Also, I like to create docs in there for social media information that I can reference or even use blank documents to write blog posts for my blog when I am away from my computer.
Final Thoughts
For someone who was afraid to get on a cloud, I sure use a lot of them. When deciding on going paperless, this is the way to go. It is something you should think about if you need something accessible, just want to free your computer storage or even just need to feel better about keeping what matters most safe. Things can happen in less than a second so why no ease your mind and know where your files are at all times.
- How to Deal with Paper Clutter in your Home?
- Kids School Paper Organization: How to Best Organize Your Kid’s School Papers
- How To Go Paperless & 3 Ultimate Methods For Anyone
- Top 3 Organizing Habits You Should Practice (Right Now)
- How to Clean and Organize Your Digital Life
- Organizing Resources: Favourite Things, Tools & Resources
 Â
Awesome suggestions. I keep telling myself I am going to do this. I sure need to. Thanks for a great post.
You are so welcome, Lisa! Glad it inspired you 🙂
[…] Related: How to Go Paperless & 3 Better Ways To Store Your Files […]
Great ideas here. Sometimes we forget that we can ditch those analog systems and clear up physical space in our homes.
That is so true!