What is the best way to organise e-mails in MS Outlook? [closed]

Answer 1

Everybody seems to suggest folders; I suggest Categories.

I have 1 active pst and 1 pst per archived year, every mail is assigned one or more categories. Adjust folder view to group by category.

The main advantage is that you can assign several categories to a single mail.

Everything that still needs attention is in the inbox without categories.

Oh yes, and Rules! As already mentioned, rules for automated emails, as well as a rule for known senders, which files incoming mail into a special inbox folder.

Answer 2

Merlin Mann has spent a load of time exploring this as Inbox Zero. There's a great video presentation at Google which is well worthwhile watching.

Answer 3

Install LookOut, leave everything in the Inbox and just search for stuff.

Ok, maybe do some organisation, but LookOut is pretty good, and the better the search, the less manual organisation you have to do, and that is a Good Thing, IMO.

Answer 4

Files and folders, auto-filtering and a small inbox (i.e. Inbox Zero) are all good practices, but ultimately it's all about being able to find emails when you need them and for that there's only one answer for Outlook at the moment.

Install Xobni.

Answer 5

I keep anything that needs my attention in my Inbox and move everything completed to my Saved Folder.

I have just started using Categories as of Monday and I think they are something that more people need to be aware of.

I have a few rules which detect Project Names from the Subject and auto assign to the correct Category with my Inbox set to Group by Category.

Finally I use Google Desktop for Searching - much quicker and easier although does not like me moving my messages to my Saved Folder.

Answer 6

1 folder per project.
1 folder for personal mails.
1 folder for support.

Inbox for most other things.

I usually set up rules to auto-direct mail into the right folders.