Why this rule
Mortgage applications, tax returns and expense claims all ask for statements by period. When they're already in a folder per year, you hand over a folder instead of searching your inbox and Downloads one by one.
Set it up in TidyFile
It takes about a minute:
- 1Add a new rule and choose the folder to watch: Downloads.
- 2Add the conditions: type is pdf, csv and name contains statement.
- 3Set the action: move to Documents\Bank statements\{year}. Click Browse to pick the folder (your own Documents, Pictures and so on), then type the rest of the path after it. A folder typed without a drive letter is created inside Downloads instead.
- 4Save it. New files are handled as they arrive, and TidyFile previews what it would do to the files already there before moving any of them.
Variations
- Add your bank's name as another word to match if its files don't say statement.
- Make one rule per account, matching the last four digits that appear in the file name.
More ready-made rules are in the rule library, and there's a full guide to organizing invoices and receipts.
The TidyFile rule
File bank statements by year
- When a file
- in Downloads · type is pdf, csv · name contains statement
- Then
- move to Documents\Bank statements\{year}
Tip: folders like Documents or Pictures mean your own folders. In TidyFile, click Browse to pick the folder, then add the rest, such as \{year}. A folder typed without a drive letter is created inside the watched folder instead.
Set it up once and TidyFile applies it in the background, to new files the moment they arrive. Preview what it'll do to the files already there, and undo anything from the activity log.
Questions
My bank's statements are called something else. What do I do?+
Download one and look at its name, then add a distinctive part of it, such as the bank's name, as a word for the rule to match.
Is it safe to keep statements on my PC?+
TidyFile only moves files on your own computer and never uploads them. Use Windows' device encryption or BitLocker if you want them protected at rest.