Organized in 40 Weeks: Kitchen Clutter

I decided to follow Lisa Woodruff's Organize 365 Whole House Challenge.  This week she is encouraging those following the challenge to clean up "kitchen paper."  Since I am both a challenge follower, organizer, and a blogger, I felt like elaborating!  What does kitchen paper mean to me and to you?

Organizing Kitchen Paper Clutter

First of all, your kitchen clutter may not be her kitchen clutter.  She encourages families to maintain a command central in the kitchen.  This means all of the paper entering your house would go to your kitchen command center.  This also means that when she tells you to tackle your kitchen papers, she is telling you to go to the place where your paper gathers and to start there.

Where does your paper collect?Do you have a family command central for paper, bills, and calendars?

My paper used to gather in the kitchen, then it would begin to gather on my dining room table, then it would begin to gather on my desk, and it might even have gathered into my living room.  What a mess, right?  We let papers collect and gain control of our homes.  Enough is enough.

This is why Lisa Woodruff suggests picking the kitchen as your paper station.  If your kitchen is large enough to keep a family command center to house the bills, papers, coupons, advertisements, and to do list components, then set apart a portion of your kitchen for this use.  If your kitchen is too small, then you may consider having an entry way table committed to this use or a family desk for a command center.

Decide where the papers of your home will be met head on and organized.

The "Saturday" Basket

Alright, so Lisa calls her basket a "Sunday" basket, but I choose to do my organizing on Saturday.  Therefore, my basket is called the Saturday basket.  What is a Saturday basket, you might ask?  It is your incoming paper zone.  Everything that you need to address at some point will come into your house and into this basket.  Immediate mail needs will be taken care of immediately.  The basket will be gone through once a week, you pick the day.

On Saturday, I grab my basket and I begin to go through the mail, advertisements, coupons, new store rewards cards.  I'll tell you what to do with those items in just a second.

First Step for First Timers

If you do not have a ground zero aka family command central, you can still get started on this part of the 40 week project.  Lisa suggests putting all of your papers into one big laundry basket.  Pull it all together in one place, then conquer it.

Here are my suggestions for sorting through the laundry basket of papers:

Take one blank piece of paper.
Write your priorities down from top to bottom.
My list is something like this:

1. God
2. Personal Health
3. Husband
4. Child
5. Home
6. Family and Friends
7. Work
8. Ministry
9. Hobbies

This is how I file my working (current) papers.

I make hanging folders labeled with my priorities.

I make folders inside of each hanging folder with subset categories.

Example:

Under Home I have a folder labeled house cleaning, one labeled menu planning, and one labelled home organization

You can then group your papers into these categories.  If the piece of paper doesn't belong in any of your priority categories, then it probably doesn't need to be in your active life.  You can make a separate pile of papers that need to be filed in permanent storage.

Master To Do List

As you begin to group your papers, grab a notebook or legal pad.  Think about it, you kept these papers for a reason, but has that reason ever been met?  You need to add papers to your to do list.  You may have kept the Shakespearean play calendar, because you really wanted to go to a play.  Add it to the to do list under "husband" for a date night.  Maybe you kept a set of coupons and have been meaning to use them.  Add it to your home to do list and to your menu planner.

Your master to do list can be a very amazing resource.  However, be realistic.  This is not your life on paper.  This is what might happen in an ideal world.  Take a breath and you will weekly make a plausible to do list.  Lisa intends to get three home items done a day and three work items done a day.  In her life she realized she can realistically do no more.  In my life, I can realistically get one item done a day.  GREAT!  Then at least I'm closer to my own goals for an organized life and doing the things on my to do list that I put on that list.

The Clip

Lisa at Organize 365 also talks about her "one" clip that she uses to keep coupons, kid's papers, outgoing mail, etc. in line on her refrigerator.  I just bought my clips recently and since we are a homeschool family, I don't seem to be using it for kid's papers yet.  I'll have to see how they get used in the future.

The Gist

I mentioned in my last post (which was about 6 months ago) that you will have temporary files, working (current) files, and permanent files.

• The Temporary Files go in your Saturday Basket.
• The Working Files are filed in an easily accessed file tote.
• The Permanent Files are kept in a filing cabinet or set of plastic filing bins.

All your temporary files will become a part of your to do list and become a part of your working files, be thrown away, or will be filed in your permanent files.

Any questions?  I'd be happy to answer questions and you can also join Lisa Woodruff's Organize 365 Facebook group page listed on her website.  Enjoy!!!

Brooke

Owner and Designer of Designing Life Etsy Shop
and Designing Life Local

Fall Cleaning Series: Day 2 - Taming the Paper Monster

Getting Household Papers Organized

Today, I shifted my attention from my kitchen to my living room. My living room is the space in which we spend most of our day . . . when we aren't cooking or eating. Our television, computer, desks, bookshelves, video games, and one wonderfully ancient denim sofa are in our living room. We also enter our home into our living room.

Before I could do anything with the room, I had to start with the papers.... I had papers collecting on top of my printer, papers on my desk, papers on my computer desk, papers on the coffee table . . . papers pretty much everywhere. They were about to form a paper monster and eat me alive. They had to be conquered.

The Paper Monster

I figured out that I was dealing with my own paper monster.

Neat Paper Monster

While I love checking out Neat's amazing paper scanners, I have a lot of papers that I want to keep on hand.  I have a set of working files, but not all of the working files were working.  Here is how you can separate your files into three groups.

Permanent Files

Working Files

Weekly Files

Permanent Files

The Permanent Files are in my filing cabinet upstairs.  Our finances are filed according to Ric Edelman's guide.  I have the rest according to what our papers can be grouped into easily.  Each person/couple will have a different set of file labels.  I have a home business, others will have files on their careers.  I have a file for homeschool records, many others will have a file for each year of school their child goes through.  Your permanent files are files that you need to have, but do not need to access frequently.  Perhaps once a year or less.

Working Files

Working Files are files that you need to access more frequently.  They may pertain to a project that you are working on.  Bills that need to be paid monthly.  You might keep your address book pages in this box/cabinet.  You want them nearby, but you don't need to get at them all the time.  These should be labeled clearly and have useable information inside.  If you have your bills inside, you need to include a printable tracker that helps you to know when your bills need to be paid and where you can record when you paid the bill.  If you have yearly goals, you may want to keep a file on your goals and review them monthly to stay on track.  Working files need to be workable.

Weekly Files

Weekly Files are those files that you will access every week and contain papers that you will use continually.  You need these papers filed and labeled so that you are able to wrap your mind around your tasks.  Without Weekly Files you accumulate papers and add more papers to the papers that are out . . . "because you are working on them."  Even papers that are a part of weekly planning need a job.

This is where my "Working Files" were failing.  I had my Permanent Files and Working Files, but I didn't have Weekly Files.  I just made a pile of all the papers that I was currently working on.  Then I added more papers to my pile that still needed to be worked on, then more papers on top of that, until I forgot what was underneath the pile.  I was overwhelmed by feelings of fear due to this paper monster.  Let me explain . . .

The Fear of 'Things Left Undone'

"The papers in my house began to scare me.  However, I have come to realize that it isn't the need to organize the papers that evokes my panic, but the fear that I might discover things left undone, items on my to do list that I never finished, or even worse, people that I've disappointed by not following through.

As I go through my papers and remember tasks that became forgotten, I have to give myself grace. I don't remember every task every time. I don't follow through with everything that I commit to with the best intentions. I will hope to do better next time, but today . . . I just really need these papers to get organized."

Have you discovered box file folders?  They hold more files helping you organize.



Taming the Paper Monster

I have all of my files separated out, filed, and for the most part put away.  I've made a huge step in taming my paper monster.  I still need to go through my labels, add a few more files (such as one for to do lists), but I have a great start.  Organization doesn't really have an end.  You keep organizing and reorganizing your life because life never stops changing and we never stop growing.  Take a look through your papers and see if you can't figure out a better system of paper control for your home.

Day 1 - Conquering the Kitchen

Day 2 - Taming the Paper Monster

Giveaway Celebrating 100 Sales!

Everyone loves to celebrate and everyone loves a giveaway!  Let's do both!  Last night, my shop registered it's 100th sale.  I'm so happy to have helped people with their design and home organization needs 100 times!  I cannot tell you how much fun I have and joy I receive by creating useful tools for others to use in making their homes and lives more organized and more what they want their homes and live to be.  So today, I have having a giveaway to celebrate this occasion!

Giveaway Lead: Designing Life on Etsy

Giveaway Co-Sponsor: Turtle Dove Lane on Etsy

 

Click here to view the product set being given away:
 Home Organization Binder Set - The Whole Kit and Caboodle - Over 50 Printable Sheets!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UPDATE 2/12/13 - Just so you know that either I am crazy or am not completely crazy . . . the giveaway does not end on 1/14/13 12 a.m. like the graphic above states.  It actually ends at 2/14/13 at 12 a.m. (aka midnight between 2/13 and 2/14).  Alrighty!  Now that's cleared up! ;-)

How to Make a Printable Mini Binder



In 2012, I wrote a blog titled How to Make a Home Organization Binder.  The blog has a great list of items to help a person get started with their 8.5 x 11 household binder.  Since then, I have expanded my interests and my shop into the realm of mini binders.  I love mini binders.  They are soooo cute!

My first endeavor into the world of mini binder pages came when one of my best friends who is a wholehearted Disney fan suggested that I design a Disney Vacation Planner that would fit into a mini binder.  She explained that mothers would love a planner in a size that could be carried all around the park in their stroller or purse.  She was so right!  I put together the Magical Theme Park Trip Organizer Vacation Planner and many mothers have been very happy to be able to easily plan all their details in one location (the mini binder).

*This post does contain affiliate links from Amazon.  I am an Amazon affiliate member and it helps me to keep on blogging!*

Magical Vacation Planner Via Designing Life

Since that time, Mini Binders have taken over!  This blog post will show you how to compile your Printable Mini Binder.  Here are some great ideas to get you started on the road to half sheet size bliss :-)

How to Make a Mini Binder

First, you need a mini binder.  While the full size paper binders come in an array of thicknesses, the mini binder is a thinner binder.  Most come in one inch size and are perfect for day planners, vacation planners, or half sheet size menu planners.  The possibilities are endless and adorably sized!

Here are three things to look for when buying your mini binder:

1. Find a binder with a clear outer pocket so you can label the binder clearly
2. Buy the sturdiest mini binder you can find
3. Go with a binder that will hold a 5.5 x 8.5 size sheet of paper and 5.5 x 8.5 dividers

My Finds

Avery Mini Durable View Binder with 1" Rings, 175-Sheet Capacity

Staples BETTER Mini Binder

Mini Dividers for Sections

Depending on the use of your particular mini binder, you can use dividers to separate sections in your petite notebook. If you are going to use it for a Disney Trip Planner, then you may want dividers to separate your daily plans from your restaurant reservations or separate your checklists from your notes.  The main thing is that you don't necessarily need to use all the dividers.  Use what you need for your small binder and save the rest for later!

Here are three things to look for when buying dividers:

1. Go with tabs that you write directly onto, the tab inserts can get lost in transport
2. Look for brightly colored dividers to make each section stand out
3. Again, durability is important; you may use some of your sections daily

My Finds

Avery Style Edge Insertable Plastic Dividers

C-Line Mini Size 5-Tab Poly Index Dividers with Pockets

Paper Cutter

A paper cutter makes it easy to buy the standard size printables that are designed to be cut in half to provide two 8.5 x 5.5 mini pages.  Why specially buy paper when you can simply use your standard size and save tons of money and time?  Many companies sell 8.5 x 5.5 inserts and refills, but I absolutely cannot find blank 8.5 x 5.5 paper to be printed on! If you search for printables online (like the ones offered in my shop), you can find much more affordable sheets in the full size that can be cut in half perfectly for your mini binder.

Here are four things to look for when buying a paper cutter:

1. Buy a paper cutter that is at least 8.5 inches wide to cut across standard paper.

2. Go for the sturdiest paper cutter you can find

3. Make sure that the model you purchased has replaceable blades.

4. Find a paper cutter that is sturdy enough to cut through multiple sheets at a time without shifting

My Finds

Fiskars 12 Inch Titanium SureCut Paper Trimmer

Swingline Paper Trimmer / Cutter, Guillotine, 12" Cut Length

Hole Puncher

A hole puncher is a must for a low cost mini binder project.  Many companies sell 8.5 x 5.5 inserts and refills, but they cost you a fortune!  If you search for printables online (like the ones offered in my shop), you can find much more affordable sheets that can be hole punched for your mini binder.  I suggest two hole punchers, one for your full size printables and one for your half size sheets.

Here are four things to look for when buying a hole puncher:

1. Buy a hole puncher that punches all three (or seven) holes at the same time

2. Go for the sturdiest hole puncher you can find

3. Make sure the paper hole compartment at the bottom of the puncher stays on securely

4. Find a hole puncher that can easily punch holes in multiple sheets at a time

My Finds

Franklin Covey Four-Sheet Seven-Hole Punch for Classic Style Day Planner Pages




Staples Mini 3-Hole Punch

Perfect Pens

I love pens!  You want to find the best for writing on your new mini binder printables.  Some pens will bleed through to the next page, some will fade over time, and some do not leave the mark you intend to make on the page.  Therefore, you want to make the best decision you can and have a pen you love and will use.

Here are four things to look for when buying a pen:

1. Leave the felt tips, the permanent sharpies, and the runny pens at the store
2. Use a high quality ball tip pens for simple writing tasks
3. For yearly sheets that you will use for reference, consider scrapbook quality pens
4. Try out the pens at the store and find one that makes solid and obvious lines

My Favorites

Fiskars Gel Pen 48-Piece Value Set

Sanford Uni-Ball Vision Elite Stick Roller Ball Pens

Printable Mini Binder Pages

The point of having a household management binder is to have all of your home organizational planning accessible by flipping open a binder and easily finding the right section with just the right printable. We have the binder and the ability to easily access the right section, but what of the right printable? How do you find the right printable for you and your household?

Here are four things to look for when buying printables:

1. Find printables that will help you save time by planning ahead

2. Buy printable with an attractive design that will encourage you in your planning

3. Look for printables that you will actually use; all printables won't be a perfect fit for you

4. Mix and match, remember that there are many printable designers with great sheets

Etsy Sources for Mini Binder Printables

Designing Life Etsy Shop

- My Printable Planner Shop -

 Confetti Saturday Etsy Shop

- Planners Shop -

Crown Bindery Etsy Shop

- Planners, Binders, and Notebooks -

In Completion

Last but not least, if you are in need of specific mini binder pages, I am endeavoring to design more 5.5 x 8.5 sheets as I go.  Make a special request and I'm sure I can make it happen!  Thank you for stopping by my blog and I hope you picked up some helpful hints to begin your journey into the realm of mini binders!

Brooke Shambley

Owner/Designer at Designing Life

Home Binder Cover | Designing Life Etsy Shop

How to Make a Household Management Binder



Putting together a household management binder is as easy as you make it!  Get the right supplies, find the right printables, and you can be in business in less than a week.

I'll help you find the right:

home binder, binder dividers, home binder sheet protectors, and well designed printables

The Binder

While it may be obvious with the title "Household Management Binder," but I will repeat, you need a binder.  You may want to start with one 1" binder and expand to a 2" or you can make multiple binders to suit your many household needs.  The typical Home Management Binder is home to calendars, schedules, meal planning, cleaning lists, grocery lists, addresses, passwords, babysitter’s instructions, and many more pre-planning worksheets and lists.

Here are four things to look for when buying your binder:

1.  Buy a binder that will grow with your planning
2.  Find a binder with an outer clear pocket so you can label the binder clearly
3.  Buy the sturdiest binder you can find
4.  Go with a binder that will hold a 8 1/2" by 11" sheet of paper and sheet protectors

My Amazon Finds - Binders

                        

Dividers for Each Section

In addition to a binder, it is helpful to have dividers for each section in your household management notebook.  If you are only going to use it for meal planning and cleaning schedules, then you may want to buy dividers to separate your current meal planning sheets, past meal planning sheets (great for referencing), your cleaning schedules, and any cleaning checklists or shopping lists you may have.  You can even throw in a divider for your couponing.  Buy as many dividers as you have sections for your family’s binder.

Here are four things to look for when buying dividers:

1.  Buy dividers with large tabs, nothings worse than not being able to read your own tab
2.  Go with tabs that you write directly onto, the tab inserts can get lost on the others
3.  Look for brightly colored dividers to make each section stand out
4.  Again, durability is important; you may use some of your sections daily

My Amazon Finds - Dividers

                         

Sheet Protectors

Some of your organizational printables will not be written on often, but are frequently used for reference.  You may want to buy sheet protectors to keep these sheets looking great all year long.  Yearly Calendars, Important Date sheets, and Ideal Weekly Schedules are some printable home management sheets that you may want to keep in sheet protectors.

Here are four things to look for when buying sheet protectors:

1.  Choose a plastic sheet protector that has a clear surface without texture

2.  Spend a little for sheet protectors that are higher in quality

3.  Pay attention to how wide the sheet protectors are for your binder

4.  Find a package with the right amount; the more you buy the less expensive they are

My Amazon Finds – Sheet Protectors

                         

Printable Household Management Pages

The point of having a household management binder is to have all of your home organizational planning accessible by flipping open a binder and easily finding the right section with just the right printable.  We have the binder and the ability to easily access the right section, but what of the right printable?  How do you find the right printable for you and your household?

Here are four things to look for when buying printables:

1.  Find printables that will help you save time by planning ahead

2.  Buy printable with an attractive design that will encourage you in your planning

3.  Look for printables that you will actually use; all printables won't be a perfect fit for you

4.  Mix and match, remember that there are many printable designers with great sheets

My Etsy Finds – Printables

Designing Life Etsy Shop – www.designinglife.etsy.com  (again, I’m partial!)

I Heart Organizing – www.iheartorganizing.etsy.com
Clean Mama – www.cleanmamaprintables.etsy.com
Fresh and Organized – www.FreshandOrganized.etsy.com

Note: Let's be honest.  These days, you can find so many printable resources online for free.  However, not all that glitters is gold.  Consider supporting small businesses who have spent meticulous hours in preparing PDF files that are perfect not just bloggers who are putting out quickly prepared printables in order to gain traffic.

Hole Puncher

After you begin your search for the best printables for your home organization binder, you will realize that you really need a dependable hole puncher.  I have two hole punchers, one for my computer area and one for my craft area.

Here are four things to look for when buying a hole puncher:

1.  Buy a hole puncher that punches all three holes at the same time

2.  Go for the sturdiest hole puncher you can find

3.  Make sure the paper hole compartment at the bottom of the puncher stays on securely

4.  Find a hole puncher that can easily punch holes in multiple sheets at a time

My Amazon Finds – Hole Puncher

                         

Perfect Pens

While most people just grab a pen and start writing, I think it is a great idea to think about what kind of pens are best for writing on your new printables.  Certain pens have ink that will bleed through to the next page, some will fade over time, and some do not leave the mark you intend to make on the page.  So really, the pen matters a lot!

Here are four things to look for when buying a pen:

1.  Leave the felt tips, the permanent sharpies, and the runny pens at the store

2.  Use a high quality ball tip pens for simple writing tasks

3.  For yearly sheets that you will use for reference, consider scrapbook quality pens

4.  Try out the pens at the store and find one that makes solid and obvious lines

My Amazon Finds – Pens

                                        

                                                 

Compilation of Tools

I hope this blog is a wonderful resource for you to help you to find the right tools for making your household management binder.  Trust me, if you find the time to put together a home organization / household management binder, you will be finding time in so many more places!  Enjoy designing your life!

Brooke Shambley of Designing Life

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