How to Organize Your Household Data

No more searching for phone numbers and home maintenance information. A tech-free family management binder will keep your family organized and help with emergency prep.

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Organize It All With a Household Binder

With busy work schedules and lots of extra-curricular activities, even a close-knit family can have a difficult time keeping everyone in the know regarding important family information. This DIY family management binder is an easy, low-tech way to keep everyone on the same page, especially in an emergency.

Dress Up Your Family Management Binder

Grab a colorful binder, then customize it with a family photo and colorful card stock. Here's what you'll need to organize the inside: divider tabs, sheet protectors, business card pages, interior folders, zip pouch, pencils and markers.

Gather Important Documents in One Place

To streamline this project, pull everything together before building your binder. Gather contact information for neighbors, doctors, teachers and your kids' best friends. Include information like monthly bills, your family's insurance agent and policy numbers so you can quickly consult a one-sheet without digging through piles of mail.

Customize the Contents of Your Family Management Binder

The beauty of this type of binder is that you can customize it to your liking. We suggest you create a table of contents for the following to start:

Emergency Contacts: Important phone numbers everyone in the family should know

Contractors: Handymen, plumbers, HVAC and other maintenance pros

School: Email addresses, teacher names, phone numbers, calendars, hours and addresses

Childcare: Go-to babysitters, rates and a just-in-case neighbor

Insurance: Home and auto agent information and additional policy details

Medical: Contact information for your insurance plan, doctors, dentists, therapist, etc.

Divide + Conquer With Tabs for Quick Reference

Keep the binder easy to use by including plenty of tab dividers so everything is at your fingertips (especially if you're in a rush).

Pencil It In So Information Can Be Easily Updated

Encourage everyone to use pencil so you can easily update the binder on the fly. All family members should review it carefully on a quarterly basis so information is always up to date.

Include VIPs + VINs for Each Family Member

Create an emergency contacts page with very important numbers (VINs) and keep it at the front of the binder. Then, create a special tab for each family member (VIPs) with a cover sheet that includes basic information like date of birth, close friends' contact information, class schedules and more. This is also a great spot to jot down all after-school activities with details like their coach’s names and contact information.

Don't Forget to Include Pet Records and Pet-Care Information

Don't forget to include the family pets! Key information about their vet, sitters, past medications and ailments can be kept in this section. So, if a pet is injured or becomes ill, everyone is in the know regarding who to call and where to go.

Seasonal Reminders Can Help With Tracking Regular Maintenance

You may want to include important household information regarding the yard, home maintenance, pest control and general upkeep. Seasonal reminders are a good way to track this type of information.

Clean Out Your Junk Drawer and Organize Business Cards

Gather frequently-referenced business cards stuck in junk drawers or on the refrigerator, and slip them into a card organizer. Start collecting cards from your go-to handyman, plumber, landscaper and more (if you don’t have them already).

Use Sheet Protectors to Keep Things Neat and Tidy

If you have a big family or plan on accessing the binder frequently, make sure every page is inside a sheet protector. Your binder's paperwork will stay intact longer.

Add Functionality With Folders That Can Be Removed and Updated

Don't forget to also include any accessories that will make your notebook that much more flexible and functional. Think folders for brochures and important documents and zip pouches for pencils and markers.

Make Sure Everyone Knows the Location and How to Update Your Binder

Finally, make sure everyone in the family is familiar with its location and that there's a notepad clipped inside for family members to make quick notes regarding its contents.

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