Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Works For Me Wednesday-Document Binder

Okay, today's tip is not anything revolutionary, but it really works for me.

I keep all of our important documents in one binder. I include things like birth certificates, diplomas, shot records, SS cards, etc. etc. I place each document in one of those plastic paper protector thingys. Then I make copies of each document and keep them behind the original which really saves me time if and when I need a copy of it.

We keep it in a safe place that both my husband and I know about. It is great if you ever have to leave in a hurry (which we have had to do a couple of times).

Works for me!

Head on over to Shannon's site for links to other WFMW participants!

33 comments:

Domestic CEO said...

Great idea! FLYLady (www.flylady.net) refers to that as a control journal (you know, like Mission Control) - it's a great system to have everything in one place. I really have to update mine. It would be fabulous to have everything altogether if we ever had to leave in a hurry.

Katrina @ Callapidder Days said...

This is an excellent idea! My important documents are currently shoved haphazardly in a hanging file, but I love your system. I'm going to print out your post and make it one of my "to-do's." Thanks!

Barb Szyszkiewicz said...

My stuff is living in one of those "fireproof" boxes but it's a big mess. I'm going to try your method. I can get a small binder (5X8) in the box. Thanks!

smart mama said...

looks great i so need to revamp yhe overflowing lockbox

Unknown said...

Great idea!

T.S. Eliot said...

Very smart, very organized. What to be on the ball!

Jennifer said...

This is a good idea. Ours is also in a fireproof box, but I like the idea of having copies of everything. Seems like we're always needing to send a copy of something or take it when we travel. Thanks for sharing!

Bethany said...

Hey...I think that is revolutionary! I love it. I use notebooks with page protectors for all sorts of things....but not that. That will soon be changing!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! That is simple and GOOD. Thanks...I'm going to switch my important paper filing system this week to this

Amy said...

Love your idea- you are so organized. You will be the star mommy when you have to turn in records for your kids!!

Anonymous said...

I love this idea!! how's the new appartment?? I like the idea of moving but the actual moving stinks ")

PS I am back.

Pieces said...

What a good idea! And right up my alley!

Millie said...

What an AWESOME idea!!!! I am so doing this.

Beck said...

That? Is brilliant. Between my husband and I, we've lost every single important document we have, so we are so going to do that. THANK YOU.

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

That's a great idea, especially if an emergency did arise and you needed to grab it all at once. I made a file for each child, but this one would make much more sense!

Super Happy Girl said...

BOFF, you got that title for a very special reason, I do the exact same thing!
I’m super anal about how my important papers are stored, they have to be in perfect order and no creases.
You rock Gabriela, good idea as always.

Glass Half Full said...

This idea takes up less space than filing everything. More portable too!

Kristen said...

That is such a great idea!! I desperately need something like that! Thanks for the tip!!

Kristen said...

That is such a great idea!! I desperately need something like that! Thanks for the tip!!

Mama Duck said...

Great idea! Of course you have to find all the papers before you can do that LOL.

Nettie said...

This would have been so handy when I was trying to find my baby's missing birth certificate 20 minutes after I was supposed to have left with her to catch a plane. Turns out I didn't need it after all, but what stress!

Oh, and your latest quilt turned out fantastic, even if it is just a top. And I can't believe you came home to an IGUANA in the house! Ack!

Anonymous said...

Great idea, it's on my to-do list now! Thanks for sharing! :)

Joy @ SAH Missionary said...

Now that's a good idea!! Those shot records have an amazing way of disapearing on me!!

Lana said...

great idea, we have a box but this sounds like it might be better.

Anonymous said...

I have been doing this for a few years now and this is what saved our documents from hurricane Katrina!!! When we had to leave in a hurry, I grabbed my binder and shoved it in a handcarry luggage with pictures, jewelry and a RED CROSS first aid kit. After that experience, my binder now sits IN a handcarry suitcase which we take EVERYTIME we go on any overnight trip.

This is definitely a simple yet must-do tip!

Susie said...

I love this idea and it makes sense if you live in an area where you might have to evacuate in a hurry (we live in earthquake country) :-)

Crystal said...

That's nice to have it in a binder that is probably easier to grab in a hurry/emergency than that big box I've got all my stuff in. Looks a lot neater, too - :)

utmommy said...

That's a really good idea. I keep all mine in a small file box, but I like the folder idea better.

ShelahBooksIt said...

that's great for the 72 hour kit too-- you can just pick it up and dash in an emergency.

Anonymous said...

Very smart, lady! Very smart!

Gina Conroy said...

Awesome idea! And one more thing I have to add to my to do list.

Grammy said...

Papa & I both loved this idea. We'll definitely be swiping it. Thanks!

Zoe said...

I do the exact same thing!!! I just need to find a safer place for it. But, at least I can grab it on the way out the door if I need it! So smart we are!! :)