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Monday, January 7, 2008

My desk will often get cluttered because I've got paper containing information that I don't need right now, but I know I won't need forever. Consequently, I don't want to go to the trouble, or expense, of creating a formal file for it.

Here are some of papers that have short-term value in our household, many of which come from my kids:

Classroom lists
Syllabuses
Sports schedules
Special event flyers & invitations
PTSO Information
Vacation or business trip details
Short-term project information (like the brochure I wrote for my church)

These are often items that COULD be in my formal filing system, but since I refer to this information more frequently than other filed items, I prefer to keep it handy.

So here is one of the cheapest organizing tips I use: Buy a handful of colored pocket folders and use them to hold short-term information. Buy a bunch at the beginning of the school year when they are very inexpensive.

Then, take a sharpie marker and write an identifying word on the front.

I create one for each child that holds all the papers that get sent home from school. Sports teams get their own folder. Vacation information and reservations get put in another. And so on.

There are a few things I like about this organizing tip:

  • The pockets hold small pieces of paper that might slip out of a regular file folder.
  • They can be stacked flat in a drawer or stood up in a bookcase.
  • They can fit in a decorative magazine holder. If you use this storage method, try and coordinate the colors.

Managing paper is an ongoing process at my house. I just love it when my husband asks for the basketball coach's phone number and I know just where it is!

In His Love,

Glynnis




















6 comments:

Jodie Wolfe said...

Thanks for the hope of sanity in the midst of piles! :)

Anonymous said...

I just caught up on the last few of your blogs and read the one about taking your daughter to get her hair braided. I also am a white mom who just took on a black daughter, although mine is 16. She can do more with her hair, in fact I don't touch it. But, you still have to learn all the stuff. Grease goes on after she washes her hair, gel goes on if she doesn't wash her hair. Yeah, it's a totally different world. I'm actually taking her to one of my friends' house (also a white mom with two little black daughters) who is going to iron her hair! I am clueless!!! But, everyone is very gracious and understanding, especially my daughter. Anyway, just wanted to say that I'm enjoying your blogs and especially your organization tips. I am a homeschooling mom which (at least right now for me) is as challenging as running a home based business!

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed your blog. I am a homeschooling Mom with soon to be 6 children. We are adopting our 6th this spring. I got to meet Lisa and the Prov 31 ladies on the cruise. They were such a blessing. I need some help on a calendar/organizer for the new year. With so many children/sports etc. my old system isn't working. Any tips? I have a small laptop but i am more of a paper girl still. my dh wants me to go to an iphone or something electronic. Help!!!! Thanks in advance Christine (thefahys@hotmail.com)

Laura said...

I'm filing all of your tips away, as I have not had the courage yet to tackle the home office in the New Year. I am going through the house, room by room, and attempting to organize. Reading all of your tips is like mental preparation. At this rate, I might get to the office in 2009!
Laura B.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the idea!

Bea said...

Thank you for the great ideas that are easily implemented. I am looking forward to more of your organization tips in the future. Many blessings!