Getting Organized

There are lots of ways to get organized. Most organized people have their own method that works for them, but not everyone can get organized, they need a push - a little help. Today is the day you’re going to start learning ways get organized.

Go out and get a nice big binder. Get some dividers – you know, the kind that kids use in school notebooks to separate their math from their English papers. You’re going to make a planner for your home that also includes planning and organizing your personal life.

Binders should be personalized for your families needs and what best fits your lifestyle. Below are some ideas to include in your binder to help keep your life organized.

How to Organize a Household Using a Notebook:

Here are some of the sections you can add to your organizational notebook. You will be surprised how this can really save you time having information in one place.

Phone Numbers:

Phone numbers are especially important for babysitters to have handy when you're taking a night off. There just as important to have readily available if you don't get home before your kids get out of school.

Your phone number list should include:

• Personal phone numbers of all family members
• Work phone numbers
• Phone numbers for grandparents
• Close family friends
• If you have pets, keep the number for the vet on your list
• School phone numbers
• Fire department
• Hospital and doctor phone numbers
• City and utility phone numbers
• Frequently called numbers for pharmacy, hardware stores, insurance, etc.

Address List:

This is not only a convenient list to have on hand for everyday use but now you don't have to wait to receive a Christmas card before you send a Christmas card. It's nice to have for on hand for sending birthday invitations, birthday cards, graduation cards, etc. You can also keep addresses for the doctors office, hospital, veterinary clinic and addresses for family and friends.

Emergency Information:

If you have a babysitter that cares for your children while you're at work you will want to leave them with a list of any medications or special instructions for the kids. Poison center control phone numbers, copy of a medical card and medical permission slip.

Shopping Lists:

Make a list on your computer that includes sections for Dairy & Desserts, Produce, Meat & Poultry, Personal Care, Paper and Pet Products. Under these sections list Item, Quantity and lines under these for the things you need. Now there is one place to go when you or family members need to add things to the grocery list instead of having little pieces of paper laying around.

Cleaning Schedules, Checklists and Chores:

Keeping a list of chores and cleaning schedules for daily, weekly, semi-monthly use help quite a bit when it comes to keeping your home organized. Checklist are another good way to make sure everything gets done. If the kids are cleaning the bathroom they can take a list with them to make sure everything is being done. There also great to have when it comes time to organize and clean for annual spring and fall cleanings.

Miscellaneous Information:

You can also add sections where you might want to keep a checklist for vacations and the things you'll need to do before and after. Perhaps you have frequent visitors and would like to keep a checklist for preparing for their visit. You could also have a section for take out menus and calendars for family or individual events and appointments

Your household notebook is a great place to keep kid’s clothing and shoe sizes (now Dad can do some shopping), wish lists for birthdays and Christmas, information for the babysitter and any other information that your family deems important. Keeping your notebook up to date will help tremendously.

Making Lists:

Because the notebook is large and meant to be in the home, keep a notepad in your purse or coat pocket for making lists of new things you can add to your notebook while your waiting in a doctor's office or taking the bus to work. Maybe you're at a friends house and watching them organize in a way you hadn't thought of, add this to the list so you can incorporate it into your new organizational skills.

Use Technology:

Don't discount technology, most of us have computers, phones, iPads and other tools that make organization a breeze. Many phones have applications that allow you to speak into them to make lists or leave reminders for yourself. It’s easy to find an online organizational calendar and other tools you can use for free.

There are many, many ways to organize your life. The trick is to choose a method that works for you and stick with it. If you do, you’ll find that you’re no longer missing appointments, you’re not leaving the store without the one thing you went in for, and you remembered your best friend’s birthday! You’ll be more confident in yourself and that confidence will spill over into your families organizational skills.