Paper Management

Event tickets, maps, invitations, registration forms, oh my!  Paper with dates need homes where you can easily find them on the day of your event.  So, how can you keep it all together?  One idea is a tickler file, and there are lots of ways to adapt it to your personality and style (I’ve given you a starting point below).  Here’s how you set it up the framework of this system:

What you’ll need:

1 box of manila file folders, 1/3 Cut (you’ll need 43 overall)

Pen

1/2 vertical file drawer for storage

Here’s how you do it:

Take twelve of the middle tab folders and write the name of of a month on each, January - December.  Then, take thirty-one of the right tab folders and label them 1-31, for the days of the month.  Here’s what the setup looks like (I also used hanging files, but you don’t have to):

How to use it:

• Check your Tickler File each day, emptying the day’s folder and placing it behind the next month (see above).
• Store tickets, maps and other date sensitive information in the date folder so you know right where it is
• Use the month folders to store reminders
• Put a reminder in your calendar to check your tickler file, or do several days at a time.

Make it your own:

• Only use the month folders for an easier more streamlined system (reality check - this is what I do).  Using it this way also enables you to place this system on your desktop. 
• Store a list of special events like birthdays and anniversaries in each month.  (Be sure to check the month ahead so you don’t forget grandma’s birthday!)
• Use color!  Use colorful folders and lable using letter stamps or rub-on lettering (found in most scrapbooking sections of craft stores).
• Hang it on the wall - if you need to see it so you remember it exists, put it in a series of wall pockets to keep it in your line of sight.

Have fun with this system!  If you have an adapted way of using a tickler file, I’d love to hear about it, so leave a comment and tell us what you do!

Have you seen the 3 Part Paper Management series I wrote up for Wendy from Sparkplugging (formerly eMomsAtHome.com) ?   If you’re drowning in paper, or need a few tips, go check it out!

Organize Your Home Office Paper: A Crash Course, Part One

Organize Your Home Office Paper: A Crash Course, Part Two

Organize Your Home Office Paper: A Crash Course, Part Three

*  Be sure to check out the entire site AND my Sparkplugging “Home Office Organizer” Blog - if you are a parent and work from home you’ll find resources galore!

It seems that paper is never-ending and it just multiplies itself with break neck speed!  What is the deal with that?  It’s easy to toss it in a pile or nearest horizontal surface and tell yourself you’ll get to it later.  Here’s the thing about paper, it’s usually….

“Horizontally hidden, vertically visible”

Ever wanted a piece of paper on the bottom of your pile?  Eek!  Not a pretty picture if you are holding coffee or a phone in one hand, and trying to retrieve that all important report at the bottom of the stack (insert dark gloomy music here).

So, how can you deal with the paper and be able to find what you need?  Here’s a few tips:

Use magazine files: Not just for magazines, these little guys are so handy and come in a wide variety of materials and prices.  A group of identical magazine files can transform a cluttered home office bookcase into a beautiful and functional storage solution.

A whole new way to pile. Pendaflex saw a need, and came out with a product line called PileSmart (above).    It’s a novel idea and easily integrated into your life.  Remember to figure out what to call those labels if you use this product.  (I really like the clip on labels!)

Give it a home. Paper can easily get out of control if it doesn’t have a place to go.  So, give it a home and put it there.  For example, things you only need to look at once in a while: put in a letter box or filing cabinet.  If you need to do something with it (read: Action Item), have a place for it to go until you are ready to deal with it.

Paper management doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the right plan you might even have fun! 

Ok, so I was tagged by Megan Spears to show my planner. So, here it is, in all it’s glory. I used Franklin Covey paper planner systems before I switched to my Palm III back in the day. I have been a Palm user for well over a decade, and I love it! (My only complaint is the small screen, but hey, it’s so portable I can’t complain too much!) I now use Outlook and sync with my Palm Treo (650). However, I find that I also need paper to write on when I need to brainstorm, or write a quick note. However, I rely heavily on my Palm for writing out a task, appointment or other reminders. For me, keeping things in one place is the best way, and eliminates extra work (and discrepancies!). But, I need paper on hand just in case! I’m upgrading my wonderful russell+hazel pad (shown - a gift from a great friend) to their mini-binder with the paper pockets. I can’t wait!

So, what’s YOUR planner like?