A Simpler Life In 2010 . . .

This is the post that will leave you thinking one of two things.  Either, "Wow! She's super organized!" or "Wow! She's an anal retentive, type A, control freak!" And so, here we go.

I've received some emails and comments about the difficulty of controlling paper clutter in the home.  I believe it is the NUMBER ONE clutter problem in most homes. Paper tends to pile up on every available horizontal surface until it almost seems hopeless to even try to go through it. But it is possible to get it under control and you've got to start somewhere, so I've got a suggestion today for your family's contact information and school documents. 

It's no secret I love binders.  And sleeve protectors.  And dividers. And tabs.  Gosh, I pretty much have a little crush on anything from an office supply store.  I could do an entire post on just that topic because I am a total geek. But binders really are an organized person's true friend.  They hold paper.  Betcha didn't know that. 

I've got a whole shelf full of binders in my kitchen, all keeping me sane and somewhat organized.  Today I want to introduce you to three of them.  First is our family phone book.  It corrals the following: {images blurred to protect the innocent}

A printed copy of our computerized address list, mailing lables and stamps so I can address envelopes all in one fell swoop.

A contact sheet for the Hubby's family and my family that includes birthdays, emails, phone numbers and addresses.

Our church congregation phone list, which is used on a daily basis.

And in plastic pocket dividers, the following: 

Local business information and cards.

Emergency contact information for our various family doctors.

and take out menus for our favorite local restaurants.

We use our family phonebook binder EVERY SINGLE DAY! I love knowing exactly where these various rosters, cards, addresses and numbers are located.

The other two binders are for the two schools the kids attend. Big C's Middle School Binder has his schedule on the outer cover so I can reach him if there's ever an emergency.

Inside are divided sections. The first is for the school handbook.

Next is a section for Big C's classes.  I put each teacher's class rules and expectations in sleeve protectors after C and I went over them and highlighted the important things to remember like attendance, homework and grading policies.

The last section of his binder is for calendar information.

The elementary school binder is just a bit different.  I have a divided section for both Hannie B and RedDog's classes with a class roster and other class information.  I have the school handbook and a calendar section.  And in the front divider I have preprinted notes to send to school which I can fill in with any of the following: excuses abscence reasons, early dismissal reasons, appointment information, bus information, lunch information, etc. This way I can just check a box and write a few words instead of having to hand write an entire note.

I add things to the school binders throughout the year only if the information is pertinent and permanent - meaning VERY IMPORTANT.  All other administrative papers that come home from school are read immediately, acted upon, marked on the main family calendar if necessary and then THROWN INTO THE RECYCLING BIN.  {It is helpful to note that both schools have excellent websites that contain much of the information that comes home anyway.}

So my primary rule for paper clutter is to start learning what is essential to keep and what can be tossed.  Then TOSS IT!

At the end of the school year, I gut these binders down to the essentials and ready them for the next year.

Tell me dear readers, what's your relationship with paper like?  Love or hate?  Got any good tips? Please share.

Come back tomorrow for three levels of Chocolate Chip Cookies . . . you won't want to miss it.