Information Binder - Family:  When You Need to Keep It, Keep It Here

See also:  [Information Binder - Medical] 

      There is basic truth about important paperwork in any home:  "It probably won't be where you last put it when you need to find it" UNLESS you put it in a secure place.  In most cases, the best place would be in an Information Binder.  The concept of an Information Binder is simple.  Prepare a 8-1/2" x 11" binder with dividers  for different applicable household subjects (see Information Binder), dividers for each individual member of the family (for their personal information), and dividers for each individual member of the family (for their medical information).

     After you have prepared your Information Binder with the "Household Information" dividers, prepare two divider tabs for each member of your family.  On the first tab write their name.  On the second tab write their name followed by "Rx".  In other words, a family might prepare dividers entitled:  "Dad", "Mom", "Tom" and "Sue".  Then they would prepared a second set of dividers entitled:  "Dad-Rx", "Mom-Rx" "Tom-Rx" and "Sue-Rx".  (This second set of dividers is further explained in Information Binder-Medical.)

    These two sets of dividers go into the Information Binder behind the first set of "Household Information" dividers, usually with the "Rx" dividers last because they are used less often.  When "Dad" brings home a new list of his office personnel and phone numbers, this paper can be 3-hole punched and put in the Information Binder behind his personal divider for your easy reference.  When Tom comes home with the season's soccer schedule, this can be put behind his personal divider.  You will always know where to find it.  Sue's piano recital schedule would be kept behind her divider.  In other words, all paperwork which is important and needs a "long-term" home, can be punch and put away securely in the Information Binder for retrieval again and again, all within seconds.

    Try this method.  It will astound you how nice it is to know exactly where to look for "that paper" and how convenient it is to retrieve it.

    Find more helpful ideas in the "House of Order" Handbook, Chapter 7, "Information Binder".

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