Household Binder

Well I did it...I attempted my first real organization project, and it was very successful! As I mentioned before, I was inspired to create a household binder after reading a wonderful organizing blog. In her blog, iHeartOrganizing, Jen explains step by step how to create a household binder to keep everything you need in one place! Can't remember where your checkbook is? Look in the binder! Need the contact info for your dog walker? Look in the binder! Can't find that awesome groupon you bought months ago? Well....you get it.

I loved  this project because it was so easy, and I was able to get creative. I think it is the perfect starting point for anyone who really wants to start organizing, but doesn't know where to begin or is simply too overwhelmed. This is how I did it:

Our Household Binder:

I went to Office Depot and picked out a cute and colorful binder. I also bought a label maker, label sheets, and dividers that have pockets in them.

I created a fun label using Word, and printed it out on one of my label sheets. Then I cut it out and stuck it on the binder. This adds some personalization :)

I printed divider tabs with all of the categories I needed. I chose Home, Life, Finances, Choco, and Coupons based on what I needed to organize. 

Home includes anything to do with our apartment including lease information

Life includes calendars, to do lists, gym membership info, etc.

Finances include our bills, pay stubs, and our checkbooks, which fit nicely in the divider pockets

Choco includes anything to do with our puppy

Coupons...self explanatory :)

 Other sections you may wish to include are contacts, calendars, or food. The possibilites are endless!

The pocketed dividers are so useful, as you don't have to hole punch everything. I love that I can grab any of the coupons I need before leaving the house, and I know EXACTLY where to find them.

The dividers have a back pocket as well, which is a great place to put any instruction booklets you have for household or kitchen electrics. I put this in the home section.

Our dog Choco is an important part of our lives, and comes with TONS of paperwork! I now have a place to put all of his veterinary forms, adoption forms, and any Petco coupons we stumble upon!

I created a personalized to do list, and added this in the Life section. I also created a personalized apartment project list which goes in the Home section. This is proving to be very helpful since we are moving in a few weeks, and have a lot of little things to do around our apartment.

This project took me under an hour, and is very easy to do! The best way to organize is to start with small projects that are easy to accomplish. Good luck getting organized, and stay tuned for my future projects!

xx,

Pretty Penny