Putting Paper in its Place

I finally got around to reading my January Better Homes & Gardens the other day, and I stumbled upon a wonderful article called "In-Box Rx." It featured a family desk all decked out with nifty office products - bins, baskets, drawers and the like. Of course I enjoyed all the pretty pictures, but I found the accompanying sidebar, "Keep Track in an Action File" even better.

As most of you know, I keep a weekly file folder system, and this has worked brilliantly for me for many years. Now, those folders hold timely papers - items for specific weeks of the year. But then there are those papers that come into the house that aren't assigned a particular date, but need attention all the same. What about them? Where do they go?

In the past I've had a slush pile for these items (a phrase from my newspaper days) which is a very dangerous thing, because often said items need action sooner rather than later. Well, the BH&G article described a neat system for sorting papers like this, and I thought I'd give it a go ...

I'm using the two trays seen above and below, as well as a clipboard.

Suggested categories: Pending, Do Later, Do Now.

Now, I'm just trying this out, to see how it works with my file crate system. It might be overkill, I'm not sure, lol! But I figured it was worth a try ... plus I really like using those alphabet stickers. ;)

(And for Sarah, who asked where I got those ABC stickers ... I bought them at my local paper craft store, but they are made by a company called, Pebbles - here's a link.)

So I'll post later about what kinds of papers I put where, but my "online" time is quickly running out this morning. Before I go, a quick peek at two more Martha products I've set up on the fridge ...

I swear I don't get any kickbacks for all these product plugs, lol!

(Though wouldn't that be nice?)

On the left side is an adhesive dry-erase sheet - my new "Honey-Do List" - and under the calendar on the right is a handy adhesive pocket. The list is self-explanatory of course - ;) - and the pocket will be used for some random papers we always keep on the fridge. Things held by magnets that seem to constantly slip off. These would be the allowance tallies, Mass participation sheets and such. (The soccer schedule will go here in the spring.)

After I put up the board, I decided to amend my phrasing a little ...

The Honey-Do (please) List. ;)

Well, my friends, I'm going to sign off for now and tend to my homefront. Earlybird had a very rough day yesterday, but thankfully he slept well last night. (Thank you all so much for the well wishes and prayers!) So far this morning he's kept down some weak lemonade and he's had a few sups on a homemade popsicle ... and now he's begging me to "Ask Nana to bring us chocolate milk," which tells me he's getting his appetite back. :)

So have a good Thursday, everyone ... I'll see you again very soon!

❤

Comments

[Melissa R]

Yesterday my homeschool group toured a local TV station. One of the offices that we walked by was OMG full of piles. There was a file hanging thing on his door (probably intended for people to leave him stuff) and it was FULL to the point of falling out, his desk, I shudder! He was a perfect man for the landscape though, with glasses perched on the tip of his nose and his hair all askew. We walked past his office twice and both times I SO wanted to snap some pictures but I didn't want to hurt his feelings so I kept my camera to myself. I wonder what his job is, I'd love to know!

[Dawn]

Thank you so much, ladies ~ you are all so awfully kind and encouraging to me!

Arlene ~ I will have to see if we get that channel. It sounds like a very interesting show!

Kristie ~ Mass participation sheets are from our church. Every child in 7th-12th grade is required to help out at Mass in some way or another during the year. It's part of our religious education program. My older boys each have a sheet to complete - we bring it with us to Mass so they can get it signed. :)

Elizabeth ~ thank you so much for the kind link!

Blessings to you all ... have a lovely day!
~ Dawn

[Elizabeth Quigley]

Hi Dawn,
I put together this moring my MS binder and posted about it on my blog. I linked back to you so people can see yours too. You have the most wonderful ideals.
Have a blessed week end.
Elizabeth

[Mary]

Hi Dawn,

Yes - so glad to hear that EB is feeling better!

Dawn! What can I say...you are amazing! You are so organized I just can't get over it.

Love,
Mary

[Kristie]

Glad to hear that Earlybird is feeling a bit better! And it is nice to see that even with all the sickness and happenings, you still have time for organizing/puttering (and for sharing it with us!) I take it as a sign that things are getting back to normal in the sun and candlelight household! =)
What are Mass participation sheets? I am now officially in the "probably will homeschool next year" category, (I must be crazy!) and am searching to soak in everything about homeschooling so that I know what I'm getting myself into! It this something that you use in your homeschooling?

[Susannah]

Seriously, you need to teach a seminar... so all of us tactile learners can be hands on in making copies of your system ;)

I have a do later, do now file... that I ignore. I never get to it. I plan to on Wednesday's but it just gets lost in the shuffle! I can't wait to see how you put it in it's place so I can get a better idea if I'm mismanaging my time!!

[EK White]

Dawn, I love to read your organizing posts (well all your posts, really)! They are so inspiring - last week I splurged and purchased the MS organizer and a pack of the vertical files. I plan on adding to the system as budget allows. I cleaned out my desk and even made a spot on my wall for my clipboard. Thank you for posting about all the little details that work for you!

I especially appreciate how you admit to the ones that aren't working. I think that's why I'd rather read something written by you than something written by Martha. I love Martha but I'd much rather have tea with someone like you!

[Arlene Grimm]

I love "organizing" and finding ways to control clutter Dawn. Thanks for these helpful hints. I have found a tv show on the Style Network called, The Amandas, It follows a group of young women led by Amanda LeBlanc as they go into people's homes and bring order to chaos. The business is based in Birmingham, Alabama which is right down the road from me so that makes it doubly interesting to me. My only criticism of the show is that Amanda makes all the girls dress up in nice clothes as they take up carpet and do other messy jobs. But they do look good as they work!:) I think you would enjoy watching this show.