Organizing: Using Notebook Binders

Are you always writing something down, a phone number, an appointment or that one address only to lose it and forget what was wrote on it? I use a big black binder for all my addresses, phone numbers and even websites I regularly go to that need passwords. I have it divided up into sections, for e-mail addresses, websites, phone numbers, 'other info', like social security numbers, credit card numbers, etc. Some of these 'other info' numbers and such should NEVER be on your computer! However, at the same, you should have them wrote down and easily reached somewhere.

You can get any color binder, with inside pocket, or no pocket, I just use a black binder because it was one of the kid's old ones they had for school, and so I can say... I have my own 'big little black book' You might want to get the page protectors too, that you can slip a paper into and wipe off if it get's dirty. And the dividers. And you can used lined or unlined paper, depending on how well you hand write, or you may want to type up the information.

On the front of this binder, make a sign big enough to go across the front, but not so big it covers the whole binder. Something like 'Moms Phone and Info Book'. You can make it anything you like, that just happens to be what I have on mine. Then, after you made the sign, start taping it on the binder. Tape the outer edges first, and then tape the whole sign, going across and working your way down.

If you get a binder with a inside pocket, you can use this for a small calendar, important single pieces of paper, 1 copy of your resume, or most anything that can go in the pocket.

Another great idea to use notebook binders for, is family medical records. I have one for that too, different color. Fix it up the same way you did the binder above. Divide it up into members of the family, including yourself. Put in names, dates of birth, medical information...immunization shots and dates, surgeries and dates, medicines, blood types, etc. You won't be able to get every little thing like what is in the chart at the Dr's office, but you can put enough in there to if you need something, you will have it. You might also want health insurance card numbers/providers in this binder.

Notebook binders aren't just for kids in school anymore! There are many other reasons to use binders, these are just 2 of what I use them for.