Outlook pros love this trick for a tidier inbox

Outlook offers a handy feature called “Search Folders,” which groups specific emails in a virtual folder for a clearer overview. For example, mail addresses (like messages from your boss) can be specified as criteria for a search folder.

This means that all emails from a particular team or customer will pop up in a virtual folder. You can also summarize all of your emails with tracking in a search folder. These virtual folders will then live on the left-side of your Outlook window near the bottom of the folder list under “Search Folders.”

Here’s how to create a new Search Folder:

• In Outlook, go to Folder > New Search Folder.
• A window with predefined options will appear. You’ll be able to select emails from specific people, emails with attachments, older messages, or larger messages.
• To filter by sender, choose “Mail from specific people,” click Select, and enter the email addresses.
• Click on the OK button to create the Search Folder.

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When the Search Folder gets created, it will start collecting matching emails (but it won’t move them)–it just creates a view of those emails in one place for easier access. Keep in mind that if you delete a message from the Search Folder, it will also be deleted from its original location (and vice versa).

By using Search Folders, you’ll save time and you’ll have an easier time keeping track of important emails.