Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Tool Time Tuesday...Binder Organization

Happy Tuesday everyone!! Today is a combo of Tool Time and Organizing and the "tools" to keep your life simple is in the office supply section.

We're using three ring binders and clear plastic sheet protectors to get our lives in order.

binder organization

You can use this system in all aspects of your life...family, home, crafting etc. Being organized will keep you sane and it will free up time in your life. If things are easy to find, you won't be searching and searching for items and that means you'll have more time in your day to do something else.

These are the binders I keep in my sewing room.

binder organization

They're just a flexible plastic with a semi clear cover to see what's inside. I do have labels on the side for a quick glance when they are on the shelf. Any binder will work.

binder organization

These are the clear plastic protector sheets that I love and use for everything!!


They are plastic pockets with the opening on the top. You slide papers, booklets, documents etc inside to keep them clean and organized. The sheets have holes on the side to file on the rings in the binder.

binder organization

This is my general Inspiration Book. It's mostly magazine tear outs organized into categories...Crafts, Holidays, Kitchens, Home and Recipes.

binder organization

This is my Template Book. The pockets are great to hold those loose small cut out templates you have floating around.

binder organization

More patterns and templates...

binder organization

This is the Quilt Pattern Book. Great to hold the smaller patterns and leaflets.

binder organization

The books hold a lot. If you have many patterns, you might want to buy a wider binder. These are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide.

binder organization

This is the Instructions Book. This will hold the instructions to a printer, computer, sewing machine or any gadget. Great for warranties too.

So helpful when you need the booklet to fix something or replace a part or just to refresh your memory on how something works.

binder organization

The pockets, again, are great to hold this type of booklet. It would be difficult to file a book in the 3 ring binder itself, because you would have to punch the holes in it and that might destroy the printing inside the book.

binder organization

Great for all the info that comes with a computer purchase.

binder organization

Including all the installation discs. These are important to keep in case you need to reload or reinstall the info for printers, scanners etc.

binder organization

I hope this post and these books inspire you to organize little areas in your life.

Take one project or category at a time, so it isn't overwhelming. In the end, you'll be happy you organized little areas of your life.

binder organization


Here are other ideas to use binders with the plastic protector sheets...

  • organize each family member...birth certificates, shot records etc. Great to keep each book in a fire proof safe.
  • Recipes
  • Insurance policies
  • Household paperwork...
  • Banking
  • Car paperwork
  • school papers
  • Medical records
  • souvenirs from vacations
  • organize things until you're ready to scrapbook

Happy Organizing,
~Karen~


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21 comments:

  1. I love folders. You have inspired me to get some more to tidy my office. I love having them in my sewing room. I like yours with the clear front.

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  2. Hi There,Love it!!! Neat and tidy and informative!!! All at a quick glance!!! Have a happy week!!! Love the clear front pocket!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  3. Your so organized.. my downfall!
    Thanks for sharing
    Sandy

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  4. I love these protector sheets: http://www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Products/General-Supplies/Sheet-Protectors/Side-Insert-Sheet-Protectors_76001.htm

    The opening is on the side which keeps the materials from sliding out the top if you happen to pick it up the wrong way.

    This link is for Avery, but you can find them at Staples, OfficeMax or other supply/general stores.

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  5. I have been using this system for 20+ years. It works for me very well. Every few years I go through them to purge out of style info and items I no longer have interest in...then later I wish I still had it~lol~

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  6. I organize with binders, but I like flexible plastic! There may be a trip to Staples in my future.

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  7. I use one for "local" information, too. All the takeout menus, brochures for area attractions, recycling information, etc. Since we move often (Army) this really helps, but I suspect it would be handy for long time residents, too. You can even get binder inserts for business cards and in there I put my hair dresser, dentist, insurance agent cards, etc.

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  8. I had a friend who put all the house appliance warranties in one binder, including all repair warranties for house renos, upgrades, repairs, etc. She handed the binder to the person who bought her house. I tried to do the same when I last moved. It was appreciated.

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing this tip for organization. i need to get to work!

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  10. My goodness - I have a ton of those protector sheets that my mom had, but she used them for photographs and I didn't want to do that, so they are just sitting in a box. I'm definitely going to get them out and put them to good use! Thanks for making my brain waves connect.

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  11. Inspiring! Your craft/work room is fabulous!

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  12. Thanks!! I am gathering ideas for my to-be-relocated craft area. I have tons of empty binders at home.

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  13. As alway your tips in using anything to organize yourself is great and I have used this method with my magazines, put not for templates and instruction patterns, you learn something everyday, and I always look forward to seeing what you will think up next. Thank you.

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  14. This is so funny! Last night I was putting printouts from the online EQ7 class I'm taking in page protectors as I watched my AZ Diamondbacks (get beat by the SF Giants. YUCK) I ran OUT! :::SHOCK::: this must not BE! I LOVE those page protectors. I think a trip to the office supply store is in order THIS MORNING! lol

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  15. Great idea Karen! I have a rubbermaid box of stuff to organize! This is what I'll be doing today...after I get the supplies I need!

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  16. Yes, I do the same by organizing sewing patterns and templates in protector sheets. Wonderful idea!

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  17. This post is just what I need. Wish I had started this 30 years ago!! Where did you purchase the clear binders? Thanks so much.

    Happy Sewing!
    Nancy

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  18. I keep my acrylic stamps in a binder, which makes it so easy to find the stamps I need. The smaller stamps are kept in the clear card binder pages that my two sons used to keep their Pokemon cards in! I save and re-use so many things.
    They are not labeled as nice as yours! You are so wonderful at organizing all your supplies! Thanks for sharing this! Enjoy your creative day!
    ~Vickie

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  19. Love this idea. I've been wondering what to do with all my internet-printed patterns. This is perfect.

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  20. I tend to be pretty organized with a lot of stuff but the idea of using the binder for computer stuff....putting the discs in the sheet protectors! Super idea!! I'm going to do that!! Thanks!
    Blessings,
    Michelle

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment...I just love hearing from you!

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