This initial post will share a few basics of making a binder and provide some links to several sites so that you can check out some {FREE} household and family binder printables to create your own binder.
My binder is in its early stages. After reading some information (see links below), I made a plan. Actually, that sounds way more official than it is; the planning was mostly in my mind. Basically, I thought about the categories that I wanted to include. Here are some things I have been keeping in mind for categories. I will narrow down the list as I go.
- finances/bills
- calendars
- contacts
- lists
- cleaning
- home and car maintenance
- restaurant menus
- emergency information
- meal planning
- blogging
- contact info
- emergency contacts/info
- telephone numbers
- local menus
- school info
- cleaning schedule
- calendar
- recipes
- finances/budget
- baseball card sleeve for business cards
- CPR reference sheet
- medical/medication info/what to do in case of seizure/CPR
- home maintenance
- car maintenance
- lending media library page
- blog stuff
- inventories
- important dates to remember
- gifts and wish list
- Family activities ideas
- Babysitter info
- traveling checklist
- favorite meals
- take-out menus
- incoming bills
- activities info
During these beginning stages, it's also time to gather basic supplies. I consider basic supplies to be a binder, page dividers (ideally with pockets), and plastic sleeve protectors. A three-whole punch will also be needed unless you intend to put everything in page protectors. I managed to find all of these around the house. However, I may reevaluate my need for different page dividers once it is complete.
The next step is to find or create pages to include in the binder. This is fun, but time consuming!
Resources to get an overview and printables to create your own household binder:
For some people, beautiful, matching pages will keep them returning again and again. If that is you, you may really want to consider purchasing or creating your own printables if you have the knack for doing so. Personally, I want functional and FREE; matching is not necessary for me. The links above are there to provide you with free resources...or if you see a style you like, check out the shop and see if you want to make a purchase.
You might be interested in the rest of the Household Binder Project series...
- My free Dates to Remember printable, Monthly To-Do Printable and free Grocery Chart.
- At Simplify 101 sign up for weekly email and get 11 pages of explanation to help you create your own home reference binder. (I happen to enjoy the weekly email as a bonus...)
- Clean Mama shows how to make a homekeeping binder with great free printables. I used lots of these, but she also has many in her shop.
- Organized Home has more detailed instructions on making a household notebook AND a whole bunch of printables to get you started, especially if you like them ready to fill in.
- Cajun Joie de vivre shares how to create and customize a notebook with more detailed instructions. I love her editable printables!
- The Nest Effect has various free printables for getting organized. She has more in her shop.
- Iheartorganizing has various free printables for getting organized. She has many more in her shop.
- Life Your Way: Home Management Notebook's free printables. (If you want them all at once, you can just go to her shop.) If you don't want to browse, this may be the site for you with over 200 free printables.
You might be interested in the rest of the Household Binder Project series...
- Household Binder Project {Part 2}
- Household Binder Printables {Free}
- Blogging Printables {Free}
- Household Binder {Completed} with links to all the free printables I used
To get started, gather your materials, brainstorm what you want to include, and begin printing/creating pages to go in your binder. Exploring some of those links will be fun, too! I would also suggest creating your cover early. It's motivating to put your papers in a pretty cover even before you are ready to sort and organize them.
You may (or may not) be interested to know that many of the links above are also on my organizing board at my Pinterest.
Also, whenever I create something for use like my household binder printables, I also provide the free printables to my readers. Take a look at the free family-focused printables I have shared.
You may (or may not) be interested to know that many of the links above are also on my organizing board at my Pinterest.
Also, whenever I create something for use like my household binder printables, I also provide the free printables to my readers. Take a look at the free family-focused printables I have shared.
I have been meaning to do one of these forever,(and I really NEED to)so I'd definitely be interested in the link-up. It would give me some motivation! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the links!
Beautiful. I think making a binder is something I will be working on all year! I'm trying to organize other things in my home first. I might be a little backwards, but it's coming!
ReplyDeleteWell, THAT'S a wealth of information. I don't know whether to be inspired or to cry. ;D Right now I don't exactly have a home to organize but I've definitely been thinking through the re-org process when we move back in. (Everything is in boxes so it's very much like moving! Everything I unpack must be put someplace - or discarded.) It's on my mind although I don't know if it makes for a binder in my case. My mother-in-law was a Write It Down list person. I'm more of a Fly By the Seat of Your Pants person.
ReplyDeleteAnnette,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for including my printables in with these other fabulous creations!
Isn't it awesome to simply know you have plan in place? I love my notebook. Couldn't do without it!
I love your personalised binder cover page!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is interested in printables including: daily and weekly planners, meal planners, to do lists and personalised printable diary planners, visit my shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/AllAboutTheHouse I also sell personalised notebooks, the book of lists, a meal planning book and notepads!
P.S. I would love to do a giveaway on your site!
I love your personalised binder cover page!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone is interested in printables including: daily and weekly planners, meal planners, to do lists and personalised printable diary planners, visit my shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/AllAboutTheHouse I also sell personalised notebooks, the book of lists, a meal planning book and notepads!
P.S. I would love to do a giveaway on your site!