What is the final step in the filing process referred to as?

The final step in the filing process is referred to as storing and filing. This stage is crucial because it involves the organization and placement of records into their designated storage locations, ensuring that they can be easily retrieved when needed. After documents have been prepared (which may involve sorting and conditioning, where documents are organized and made ready for storage), they must be systematically filed away.

Storing and filing not only signifies the physical act of putting the documents in a filing system—such as folders, cabinets, or digital storage—but also implies that the records are now part of the established filing system where they can be accessed and used in the future. This step is essential for maintaining an orderly and efficient system, allowing for quick retrieval and ensuring that no documents are lost or misplaced.