Creating a Home Organization Notebook To Free Your Mind and Organize Your Life
Just last week, I was going through my daily agenda and realizing that the year is almost up..I wondered if I should by a new one. I noticed how I always stuff paper in there either at the back or front of the agenda like coupons or take-out restaurant ads. My agenda was quite messy but I wanted to keep some things on hand that didn’t quite fit into the agenda itself.
So I decided to create my own system.
I went online and found some great templates for calendars,shopping lists,and the like. However, I wanted to customize mine just the way it would work for me. So I created my own templates using Microsoft Word.They aren’t anything fancy but they are practical and customized to my own needs and liking.
It took me about a whole day to do them but now that I have them in an organized notebook (actually a binder), I can’t tell you the sense of mental freedom I have gained. I also know that I can’t get lazy or put something off for another day. If my weekly routine says I have to do laundry on Thursday, then I have to do it. It keeps me accountable.
Now I know for some people having a structured life doesn’t sound like a good idea. However, this is not really the case because I leave my Sundays completely free to do as I please and even my Saturday afternoons. This could not be possible if I didn’t keep my other days productive with a timely schedule of tasks that need completing.
I know that I have provided you with some helpful info on time management in the past, however, this one is a biggy in my books..pardon the pun. Below is a list of sections (in order) that I included in my home management notebook:
- Routines (Weekly/Monthly/Occasional) (I don’t include daily but some people do)
- Cleaning Routines (Weekly/Occasional)
- Master To Do List
- Master Things To Buy List (these include Shopping Mall items-not groceries or necessities)
- Grocery Master Checklist (a plastic cover & a dry erase marker to check off things as I need them)
- Weekly Planner (I first write in my routines on certain days of the week as mandatory)
- Monthly Calendar Contact List (phone numbers & emails and includes a section for personal contacts and another for business contacts)
- Birthday List
- Gift Ideas
- Books/Movies I Would Like to Watch
- Other Notes
- Coupons/Flyers (I put this in a plastic sleeve that is open at the top and closed on the bottom but still fits within my binder)
You can search online for some templates or just create your own. If you are not very computer savvy, you can simply use lined or blank paper for some of the sections you want to create. I simply used lined paper for some of the sections such as the master to do list and the master to buy list, and just inserted it into the binder.
I also created an inbox for any incoming mail that arrives and I have scheduled as a routine to only go through and empty the box and pay bills on Fridays. Knowing that, I actually save myself some time and distraction and only check the mail on Fridays. It works for me.
Incorporate some of these ideas to help alleviate some stress and give you some clarity, focus and value the time you have. Free up more time to spend it with those you love.
Feel free to leave a comment.
Happy Housekeeping:)
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Veronica, Your binder sounds like JUST what I have been trying to do for a long, long time. Can I purchase a copy of just the blanks you made on Word?????
Barbara Holland
johnbarb81@verizon.net
Yucaipa, California
Veronica, I’m with Barbara! Would you ever put your binder out there to purchase? I would love to get as organized. I could probably find a dozen friends who would also love one…what a great way to start a new year!
Karen
You know I love this concept…however as a single woman, working and taking care of my house while trying to have a social life, I find it difficult to maintain any schedule or routine for chores.
Food gets left in the fridge and not cooked if I spend the night at my friend’s and then go out the following evening. Needless to say, menu planning is often impossible.
Laundry almost never gets done! I have given up on the idea of starting a load and then throwing it in the dryer at night. because a couple of times I didnt get home till the following evening and it was smellllllyyyyy!
I am at a loss to have a flexible schedule and have a life without chaos.
Veronica, I too would be interested in purchasing a organized binder system. If you ever sell them please let me know.
Thank you kindly,
Marie at fourxfour@comcast.net
Veronica, I’m with Barbara & Karen! Would you ever put your binder out there to purchase?
Linda
Ok so how do we get a copy? Great idea!
Since I noticed an interest in these ready-made templates,I will tweak the templates that I use in my notebook and make a copy available for anyone to purchase.I’ll also include other templates that I don’t use in my binder but that are helpful to some people.I promise to make it both very affordable and useful!
I’ll even let you know what I fill in on these templates to get my tasks done! I have literally freed up my weekends just by having an organized system.
I’ll send out an email letting you know when I have it all ready for you.
Veronica
Noreen,
I hear you. Whether you are single, married, with or without children…I truly believe people need an organized system. It is how businesses work and if our personal lives had a system, there would be a lot less stress and a sense of being overwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong..I don’t think everything in life needs to have total structure. If it wasn’t for having an organized system during the week, I would not have my weekend free to do as I please. My weekends have no structure and that’s they way I like it.
Get yourself a routine going with every day of the week planned out and it will make a big difference in your life.
Veronica
I have seen several lists of things–where the list can be used with a markable cover sheet. There is also a very old book called “The, (or A) Book of Lists” It may be out of date, but contains many lists that come in handy. I would look for a list of items needed for packing. If you could come up with such a list, I’d appreciate it. I know that list was in the book. I’d appreciate any help.
Oh, I’m glad you are going to let us have your lists, Veronica. I do have a list of things to take when traveling. I started it years ago when I would drive my kids up the coast to see the grandparents. When I married again, my husband and I used to drive up the coast for the weekend, or go across the United States, flying or driving, to visit his kinfolk. I had a very simple list at first, but then I would add or re-arrange the list according to what I needed and didn’t take, or what I had taken, but didn’t need. The lists were so helpful the next time we traveled. My husband passed away 5 years ago — as have many of the relatives by now. I’m freeway phobic, and am most happy to just stay home. I’m glad you’re going to let us have your lists to keep our homes organized. I’ve tried but I’m just naturally messy, tho I used to be organized! Barbara