Family Notebook
What is a Family Notebook? A family notebook is simply an organizational tool for your family. As a family of six, it is essential that we maintain a level of organization at all times to avoid chaos from creeping in. In a nutshell, this is your "refrigerator" reminders (all of your loose papers) neatly organized. You can make this as decorative as you like especially if it will be a mainstay on your countertop as it is in our house.
Below you will find the how to's of getting your notebook started.
Family Notebook Format (i.e. your most important organizational tool!)
1. Use a three ring binder (1-2 inches should suffice) 2. Use page protectors for important documents 3. Use page separators for each section/category in the binder
Things to include (each section represented by a number):
1. Pencil Pouch - large enough to hold stamps, extra envelopes, return address labels, stationery (in front pocket), sticky notes, flat 3-hold punch, pens, sharpies, etc.
2. Contacts: - Emergency contact and procedure information- including phone numbers for babysitters, medical info, etc. (if your sitter had to call 911 would she know your address?)
- Family / Friends contact information
3. Agenda - Daily to-do list if you do not have one on your phone or computer
- Family Calendar (this I actually keep on the kitchen wall so all can see at a moments notice
- Grocery List
- Weekly menu plan (see spreadsheet or visit e-mealz.com)
- Gift idea list
- Home project/repair list
- Housework list (unless you use Outlook)
- Clothing needs (each time you find yourself needing xxx write it down under that family members name on the list along with the size needed
6. Monthly Spending Plan (even if you have this on your computer it is always wise to have a hard copy) - Spending plan / budget
- Cash out forms
7. Children - Separate folder separator for each child to contain permission slips, school information, projects due, reading lists, birthday invitations, class rosters, etc.
- If you have small children, I recommend writing your child(ren's) daily routine out along with a list of medications and dosage (what do to for fever, cough, cold, etc) -- when you have a sitter or they are going to grandparent's pull these sheets out and send to your caregivers. This will give you and your caregiver peace of mind.
8. Coupons (unless you are an extreme couponer and you will want your own coupon binder) |
