Household Binder:: Step 2 Set Up Your Binder

Now that we decided we will benefit from a household binder it’s time to set it up!  Here’s a quick list of supplies to get you started:

• Notebook.  Any ol’ three ring binder will do.  Because I look at it every single day I got a cute notebook from Target.  Trust me, you’ll use it more when you like to look at it.
• 10 Page Dividers. To organize your binder by categories (suggestions below). One with pockets attached would be helpful.  I have plain white ones and they work just fine.
• Zipper Pouch. To hold supplies such as pens, paperclips, highlighters, etc.

Next, decide what you want to include in your notebook.  The goal is to create something that gives you direction and a place to put important documents.  Everyone’s notebook will look different depending on your current life stage.  Design it so it works for you!

To give you some ideas, here are the categories I’ve chosen and what is included in each section.  Each item with a * indicates a FREE template will be included in this series!!

1. Calendar.  Weekly docket*, monthly calendar printed from iCal.
2. To Do (These items will help you fill in your weekly docket).  To Do Summary*, Cleaning Schedule, Home Projects*
3. Lists. Babysitter Notes with CPR*, Gift Ideas*, Auto Log*
4. Meals. Weekly Meal Planner, Recipes At A Glance, Freezer List, Freezer Inventory*, Buy It Now, Grocery List by Aisle.
5. Blog. Blog Ideas List*, clipped articles from magazines/newspapers
6. Owen. Memories List*, soccer schedule, school lunch menu
7. Gavin. Memories List*, soccer schedule
8. Contacts. A print out of names and addresses from my computer contacts. Admittedly, I’m an iAnything type of girl.  Heaven forbid there’s a tragic event, I don’t even know my sister’s phone number.  (Yes, creating an emergency kit is on my To Do Summary!)
9. Travel. Playgroup ideas, clipped articles from magazines/newspapers, cheap travel tips
10. Misc. Anything that doesn’t fit in one of the above categories.

Some other category ideas to get your creative juices flowing are: movie inventory, warranty information, pet care instructions, travel checklist, take out menus, gym information, computer log names/passwords, medical history, or bill payment checklist (we have a separate financial binder; maybe that should be the next series).

Remember, the important thing is that you make it simple and easy to use.  Start today and you’ll wonder how you managed without it!

Step 3:: Fill in your notebook sections