Binders - Lifesavers or the Latest Homemaking Craze?
With cries of simplify, de-clutter, eliminate echoing all across the printed page and internet, homemakers everywhere are adapting new methods and ways of organizing their lives. One of the most widely spread ideas seen sprouting up is that of a Household Notebook. Practically everywhere a homemaker goes web surfing these days the unending benefits of a Homemaker's Binder/Notebook/Planner are being proclaimed. Whatever the name individuals attach to this organizational wonder, these planners may very well be the hottest organizational tool around. Homemakers young and old, working and stay at home, children or not, women (and probably some men too) are making use of this revolutionary, trend. So, is the Homemaker's Binder as good as they say or is merely a homemaking fad that will eventually fade from view?
Here at Abundance, we have been attempting to implement our own version of a Homemaker's Binder for over a year now. Our success rate? Uhm, let's move on to the review of what works, shall we? OK, for certain things, the binder has been a true lifesaver. The two most-used sections are the address book and computer log-in and password page. Love, love, love that one. Gone is the army of old envelopes, sticky notes, and other small papers containing password and log in information. Everything is in one place, on one form. Same for the addresses and phone numbers, necessary information in one, easy to grab place. I have no doubt that upon completion, the form containing the children's immunization records, sizes, interests, etc. will join the computer info. page as a personal fave. Christmas lists, gift idea lists, projects to do, are also sections which will benefit our family when completed, of this there is no doubt.
What has not worked for our family? Meal planning, pantry inventory, and freezer inventory. Crazy thing is, these are the areas increased organization is most needed. In an attempt to eliminate areas that are "just taking space" the pantry and freezer inventory sheets have been removed, just for now. One new area at a time is my plan of attack. When the meal planning becomes an established habit, then I'll try adding the other sections back in.
Household notebooks, the latest organizational trend among homemakers, may very well be the greatest discovery of the century. Today's hectic lifestyle of near constant busyness has caused homemakers to rethink what works to keep the household flowing smoothly and do whatever necessary to create a haven of peace in an out of control world. The Homemaker's Binder definitely plays a key role in aiding homemakers in this herculean task.
Here are some websites that offer household notebook forms for printing free: http://www.avirtuouswoman.org/, http://organizedhome.com/, http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/ (only until April 9). These are but a few of the resources available for free printing. http://www.notebookingpages.com/ also offers printable forms with darling seasonal graphics for a reasonable cost. What about you? Do you have a household notebook? If you do, what works for your family?
Here are some page ideas gathered from the internet:
Here at Abundance, we have been attempting to implement our own version of a Homemaker's Binder for over a year now. Our success rate? Uhm, let's move on to the review of what works, shall we? OK, for certain things, the binder has been a true lifesaver. The two most-used sections are the address book and computer log-in and password page. Love, love, love that one. Gone is the army of old envelopes, sticky notes, and other small papers containing password and log in information. Everything is in one place, on one form. Same for the addresses and phone numbers, necessary information in one, easy to grab place. I have no doubt that upon completion, the form containing the children's immunization records, sizes, interests, etc. will join the computer info. page as a personal fave. Christmas lists, gift idea lists, projects to do, are also sections which will benefit our family when completed, of this there is no doubt.
What has not worked for our family? Meal planning, pantry inventory, and freezer inventory. Crazy thing is, these are the areas increased organization is most needed. In an attempt to eliminate areas that are "just taking space" the pantry and freezer inventory sheets have been removed, just for now. One new area at a time is my plan of attack. When the meal planning becomes an established habit, then I'll try adding the other sections back in.
Household notebooks, the latest organizational trend among homemakers, may very well be the greatest discovery of the century. Today's hectic lifestyle of near constant busyness has caused homemakers to rethink what works to keep the household flowing smoothly and do whatever necessary to create a haven of peace in an out of control world. The Homemaker's Binder definitely plays a key role in aiding homemakers in this herculean task.
Here are some websites that offer household notebook forms for printing free: http://www.avirtuouswoman.org/, http://organizedhome.com/, http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/ (only until April 9). These are but a few of the resources available for free printing. http://www.notebookingpages.com/ also offers printable forms with darling seasonal graphics for a reasonable cost. What about you? Do you have a household notebook? If you do, what works for your family?
Here are some page ideas gathered from the internet:
- movie list
- dvd list
- music list
- take out numbers and menus
- restaurant numbers
- monthly schedules
- chore charts
- schedule of family events
- emergency numbers
- babysitting information
- medical information
- blogging ideas
- business information
- bank/finance information
- school schedules
- important papers
- pet information